Here's how airlines may get rid of boarding passes and flight check-ins

LOS ANGELES - Paper boarding passes and traditional airport check-in could soon become relics of the past, according to a new initiative backed by the United Nations’ aviation agency.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is supporting a plan to transform the global air travel experience through the use of facial recognition and a "digital travel credential" stored on passengers’ smartphones. The new system would allow travelers to pass through airports using only their face and a digital "journey pass," potentially eliminating the need for physical documents.

The overhaul, first reported by The Times, could begin rolling out in the next two to three years.

How the journey pass would work

The backstory:

Instead of checking in and receiving a boarding pass, travelers would receive a digital journey pass at the time of booking. The pass would automatically include relevant flight details and could be updated in real time if there are delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Travelers would also have the option to upload their passport information directly to their device.

Airlines would no longer rely on passengers checking in to confirm their intention to travel. Instead, passengers would be verified automatically at airport checkpoints using facial recognition technology.

Privacy concerns and infrastructure needs

The other side:

According to The Times, the system would rely on facial scans at various "touchpoints" in the airport, such as bag drop or security gates. The tech firm Amadeus, which is developing parts of the system, told the outlet that the data would be wiped within 15 seconds of each interaction, aiming to address privacy concerns.

Still, the changes would require widespread updates to airport infrastructure. Airports would need to install facial recognition systems and scanners capable of verifying biometric and passport data without storing it. The success of the system depends on global cooperation, standardized systems, and regulatory approval in each participating country.

Why it’s being called the biggest change in 50 years

Big picture view:

Valérie Viale, director of product management at Amadeus, told The Guardian that the initiative represents the most significant shift in air travel since e-ticketing was introduced in the early 2000s. She said the industry is looking to modernize in the same way other tech-driven services—like Amazon—have reshaped user expectations.

In the future, the technology could enable automatic rebooking for missed connections, real-time luggage tracking, and mid-journey offers like seat upgrades or lounge access, according to Amadeus.

Airlines including British Airways, Finnair, Saudia, and Air France-KLM are reportedly reviewing how to integrate this technology, though no formal rollout has been announced.