Picture yourself passing through the security line with a smile.
Struggling with a boarding pass is out, seamless experience to your gate is in. Your face is your passport, your smartphone holds your verified credentials, and the entire process feels effortless and secure. This isn’t a utopia for the future; it’s the potential of digital identity in air travel, and it’s closer than you think.
Forget document chases and preparation chaos! Digital identity is the magic trick which is transforming air travel. No more lost documents, just a secure vault on your phone, holding your travel world. Smile, tap, and glide through checkpoints. This tech puts you in control, sharing only what’s needed, while making travel safer and faster for everyone. So, ditch the stress, embrace the future, and fly into a simpler, happier travel era with digital identity!
Well, how does it work? Let’s take a hypothetical flight and see how IATA Explains digital identity simplifies the process:
Booking and Pre-Travel
- Create your digital identity: This digital wallet stores your verified credentials, like your passport data and loyalty program memberships. It’s like a secure online vault for all your travel documents.
- Shop with ease: Imagine browsing for flights on an online travel agent (OTA) and receiving personalized offers based on your loyalty program tier. Share only your loyalty tier level via a Verifiable Credential (VC), without revealing your entire membership details.
- Post-booking services: The OTA offers to check your travel document requirements using your nationality. You consent, sharing only this essential information, ensuring a paperless and efficient process.
Check-in and Airport Experience
- Contactless check-in: Share your order and passport information directly from your digital wallet. The airline confirms your admissibility and offers a contactless journey at the airport.
- Biometric boarding: Say goodbye to boarding pass scans! Your live face image, stored as a temporary Verifiable Credential, seamlessly grants your access through the gate. No need to show any papers anymore!
Benefits beyond Borders
- Enhanced security: Digital identity reduces the risk of fraud and document forgery, benefiting both passengers and airlines. Verifiable credentials ensure the authenticity of your information, adding a layer of trust and security.
- Seamless experience: Ditch the paperwork and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Digital identity removes redundant document checks, minimizing queues and waiting times.
- Privacy control: You have complete control over your data. Choose what information you share, giving you greater autonomy and peace of mind.
- Personalized travel: Airlines can tailor offers and services based on your preferences and past travel data, making your experience more enjoyable and relevant.
While challenges like standardization and global adoption remain, the future of digital identity in air travel is bright. IATA published a Proof of Concept paper recently to set standards.
So, when can you expect this flying revolution? Pilots and trials are already underway, showcasing the potential of a smoother, more secure journey. While widespread adoption might take some time, the groundwork for a digital future in the skies is already being laid.
Get ready to embrace a world where your identity seamlessly navigates the skies, offering a personalized and effortless travel experience. The future of air travel is digital, and it’s taking off now.
This article was originally published by TAV Technologies.
