United Airlines’ passengers will soon be able to scan their passports to check in for international flights via an Apple or Android mobile device.
Travellers can use the passport scanning functionality by downloading the airline’s app.
United claims it’s the first airline to offer this for international flights.
Customers checking in for international flights on their mobile phones and tablets, within 24 hours of departure, have the option of either verifying their existing stored passport data or scanning their passport.
The app uses the mobile device’s camera feature to capture travellers’ passports, similar to a mobile banking deposit. Once the verification process is complete, customers may obtain a boarding pass. Customers requiring additional travel documentation, such as visas, will continue to check-in at the airport.
“We are focused on building the most useful travel app in the industry for our customers,” said Scott Wilson, United’s vice president of merchandising and ecommerce.
“The new passport scanning feature saves valuable time and provides customers with more options to control their travel experience,” he added.
United launched its app in 2013 and it has been downloaded by more than 13 million customers.
United.com