Delta Launches Biometrics to Board Aircraft at DCA

Delta has launched a biometric boarding pass experience at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), allowing customers to use fingerprints instead of boarding passes to board any Delta aircraft at the airport.

The biometric boarding pass experience was launched in May at the DCA Delta Sky Club, and is now integrated into the boarding process to allow eligible Delta SkyMiles members enrolled in Clear, a biometric identity membership platform, to use fingerprints instead of a paper or mobile boarding pass as proof of identity to board their plane. The final phase of Delta’s DCA biometric boarding pass test, coming soon, will allow members to also use their fingerprints to check a bag. The biometric boarding pass experience is optional.

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Delta is partnering with Clear to power the back end of its pioneering biometric boarding pass experience. The DCA pilot is testing how Delta and Clear’s systems work together while laying the foundation for Delta to deliver a more convenient customer experience broadly in the future.

Over the past year, Delta has led the industry on a number of innovative customer solutions, including biometric-based self-service bag drop, RFID baggage handling, real-time bag tracking via the Fly Delta mobile app, more efficient and high tech automated screening lanes, and a ground-breaking app that helps Delta pilots avoid turbulence for a more comfortable flight.

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Delta’s partnership with Clear already gives exclusive rates to US-based SkyMiles members for a faster way through security lines at more than 20 airports nationwide, including DCA. Findings from the DCA test will be analysed to determine the next steps for improving the process and broader implementation.

“It’s a win-win programme,” says Gil West, Delta’s senior executive vice president & COO. “Biometric verification has a higher level of accuracy than paper boarding passes and gives agents more time to assist customers with seat changes and other skilled tasks instead of having to scan individual tickets – and customers have less to keep track of as they travel through the airport.”

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The Art of Business Travel is Asia-Pacific's leading portal for corporate travel news and views. We cover everything from airline routes and airport developments, to new hotels, meeting venues, loyalty schemes, and entertaining.