No Passport, No Problem: Italy's Digital Renaissance

Travellers at Milan’s Linate Airport and Catania Airport in Sicily are testing a new facial recognition system called FaceBoarding. Developed by the French IT company Thales, this technology allows passengers to move through security checkpoints using only their faces, promising a more efficient airport experience.

Key Features:

- Developer: Thales, a French IT company

- Airports: Milan’s Linate Airport and Catania Airport in Sicily

- Airlines: ITA Airways and Scandinavian Airlines

How FaceBoarding Works:

FaceBoarding is a simple, fast, and secure process. Passengers can register for FaceBoarding after checking in online or at the airport. Registration involves scanning one’s passport, boarding pass, and face at designated kiosks. By June, an app will be available to facilitate this process from home. Once registered, passengers can use dedicated FaceBoarding lanes at each security checkpoint.

This trial will run until December 2025, and passengers can register for one or multiple flights. However, passengers must still carry their passports and boarding passes as they remain essential for identification throughout the journey.

In addition to the advancements in airport technology, British holidaymakers should be aware of new EU travel regulations. The Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) will automate the registration of travellers from non-EU countries each time they cross an EU border. This system will record the traveller’s name, travel document type, biometric data, and entry and exit dates and locations. This change follows the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Entry/Exit System Highlights:

• Registration: Automated system for non-EU travellers
• Data Collected: Name, document type, biometric data, entry/exit dates
• Impact: Replaces manual passport stamping

Furthermore, travellers must purchase a visa waiver to visit EU and Schengen countries. These changes are set to modernize and streamline the border-crossing process, although the exact implementation date has yet to be confirmed.

London Heathrow Airport also offers an innovative solution for a quick airport experience. The TimeSlot initiative allows passengers to schedule their security screening time in advance. Travellers can book a time slot a few days before their trip and receive a QR code. This service is free and can be booked for groups of up to five people.

TimeSlot Features:

• Booking: Schedule security time in advance
• QR Code: Receive a QR code for the designated area
• Group Booking: Available for up to five people
• Timing: The latest booking is 90 minutes before long-haul flights and 60 minutes before short-haul flights

Innovations in airport technology, such as FaceBoarding and initiatives like Heathrow’s TimeSlot, are revolutionizing the travel experience, promising smoother, more efficient airport procedures for travellers. Meanwhile, new EU travel regulations for British tourists will modernize border crossings, making international travel more straightforward. The travel and tourism industry adapts as technology and regulations evolve, offering improved experiences for globetrotters worldwide.