United is the first US airline to offer customers the ability to scan their passports to check-in for international flights via their iOS and Android mobile devices with the beta launch of passport scanning functionality on the airline’s mobile app.
Passengers checking-in for international flights on their mobile devices within 24 hours of departure now 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 travelers’ passports, similar to a mobile banking deposit. Jumio, a credentials management service, will then verify the passport information for additional security. Once the verification process is complete, customers may obtain a boarding pass. Passengers 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 for our customers,” said Mark Nasr, managing director of eCommerce. “The new passport scanning feature saves valuable time and provides customers with more options to control their travel experience.”
Last year, United (UA) launched an all-new mobile app, and since then more than 13 million customers have downloaded it. Later this year, they will begin to introduce an all-new united.com website, providing customers a simplified, clearer and faster user experience.
In 2007, United became the first US airline to introduce mobile boarding passes, and is the first US carrier to offer mobile boarding at all domestic airports it serves (214 at the time of writing). United currently offer mobile boarding at 54 international airports, more than any other US-based carrier.
N.B. Image credit: united.com
