Big news for international travelers today: United Airlines is now the first U.S. airline to offer passengers the ability to scan their passports to check in for international flights via their iOS and Android mobile devices. Passengers can use passport scanning functionality on the airline's mobile app as the carrier completes testing.
Customers can access the passport scanning feature when checking in for international flights in the 24-hour window before departure. After initiating the app's check-in feature, customers can verify their existing stored passport data or scanning their passport. The app uses the mobile device's camera feature to capture travelers' passports, similar to a mobile banking deposit. Jumio Inc., a credentials management company, will then verify the passport for additional security. 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.
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United will collect feedback during the testing phase of passport scanning functionality with the goal of further improving the product and launching additional customer-friendly features utilizing this technology.
Last year, United launched its all-new mobile app, and since then more than 13 million customers have downloaded it. Later this year, United will begin to introduce its all-new united.com website, providing customers a simplified, clearer and faster user experience.
In 2007, United became the first U.S. airline to introduce mobile boarding passes, and it is the first U.S. carrier to offer mobile boarding at all 214 domestic airports it serves. United currently offers mobile boarding at 54 international airports, more than any other U.S.-based carrier.