IATA has successfully tested an end-to-end travel experience backed by digital identity

28-10-23

According to IATA the test demonstrates that it is possible for a traveler to have a personalized shopping experience, followed by a hands-free airport journey, all enabled by a secure digital identity contained within an individual's smartphone.

To begin the process, travelers must establish a secure identity by scanning their digital passport with a cell phone, which is then verified with a facial photograph. Within their digital wallet, travelers can enter other data, such as frequent flyer numbers or student or employee IDs.

IATA stresses that a digital identity is tamper-proof and under the control of each traveler, who shares only what he or she wants. Travelers then selectively share the digital wallet as they progress through the journey.

For flight purchases, for example, travelers have the option to share preferences, loyalty numbers and past search data with a booking engine to enable a personalized offer tailored to the individual.

Further along the journey, airlines may use digital identity for baggage screening and boarding, and governments for security clearance and customs clearance.

Throughout each of these stages of travel, biometric facial identification is used to link the individual to his or her flight reservation and passport. There is no need to present a ticket or identity document.

A digital wallet also contains each traveler's booking information in a single document, eliminating the need for separate passenger name records (PNRs), e-tickets and electronic miscellaneous documents (EMDs) used to record ancillary purchases, such as seat selections, bag checks and other offerings.

Each of the technologies implemented in the recent IATA proof of concept has already been implemented by various vendors, airlines, airports or governments. But the IATA trial was the first to tie all the legs together, using a combination of vendors.

In total, 11 entities participated in the test, including Trip.com, British Airways, Amadeus, airport IT developer Accenture and the Australian Border Force.

IATA estimates that the technology will be ready for implementation from 2027.