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How Airports Are Using Technology to Speed Up Check-ins

Faster airport check-ins

Traveling through airports can often feel like a series of endless lines, from check-ins to security checks and boarding. But with more travelers flying than ever before, airports are starting to make big changes. New technology is helping to speed up check-ins and make the journey smoother for everyone. This shift is already underway, with airports embracing innovations to reduce wait times and improve the overall experience. Let’s take a closer look at how technology is changing the way we travel.

Speeding Up the Check-in Process


As more people travel, especially during busy seasons, airports are turning to automation and digital tools to improve the check-in process. Automated kiosks are becoming common at U.S. airports, allowing passengers to check in, select their seats, print boarding passes, and even tag their luggage without talking to anyone. Some airlines like Alaska Airlines are even skipping kiosks altogether, moving to mobile apps for a faster, more streamlined experience.

However, not everyone loves the idea of fully automated check-ins. While many appreciate the convenience, some still prefer interacting with a human. A study by Travelport found that 75% of passengers would rather speak with a human agent. But even so, airports like Oakland International and Liverpool Airport continue to move forward with innovations like biometric kiosks and self-boarding systems. These changes are helping to speed up the process, even as the number of travelers increases.

Facial Recognition Is Changing Security


One of the most exciting developments is biometric verification, especially facial recognition. In the U.S., as per New York Times, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has introduced biometric screening at over 30 airports, including major ones like Los Angeles International. With this system, security checks that once took 25 seconds are now done in just 10 seconds. That’s a big difference when you are trying to breeze through security.

International airports are also jumping on board. For example, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand now uses biometric verification for both domestic and international flights. Instead of boarding passes or passports, travelers simply use their biometric data to verify their identity. It speeds up the process and adds a layer of security by reducing the chance of human error or fraud.

Moreover, other airports, like Liverpool, are experimenting with biometric boarding passes. These replace paper tickets with facial recognition technology, making the travel experience even smoother, especially during peak travel times. Similarly, Airports are adopting smart technologies at an increasing rate to make the check-in process faster and easier. For example, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has introduced biometric sensors that let passengers check in with facial or iris recognition, completely bypassing traditional boarding passes.

How AI and RFID Are Improving Efficiency

In Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport has an AI-powered app that helps travelers predict how busy check-in counters will be. This feature lets passengers plan their arrival times better, so they avoid delays.

Likewise, RFID baggage tracking is another game-changer. This system allows passengers to track their luggage in real-time, making lost bags a thing of the past. According to Airport Industry News, more than half of passengers are excited about using electronic bag tags, which will make the check-in process even easier. And as per Future Travel Experience, findings from IATA’s 2022 Global Passenger Survey (GSP) show that 80% of passengers would be more likely to check a bag if they could track it throughout their journey. In addition, 50% of respondents expressed interest in using electronic bag tags, further highlighting the demand for more self-sufficient and efficient baggage processes.

The Rise of Self-Baggage Drop


Self-baggage drop systems are becoming increasingly popular at airports around the world. Airlines like AirAsia and Finnair have already adopted these systems, along with airports in cities like Las Vegas and Goa. With these systems, passengers can print their boarding passes and baggage tags at a self-check-in kiosk, then drop their bags at a machine that weighs, scans, and automatically sends the luggage into the system. This is helping to reduce wait times and make check-ins more independent for travelers.

What’s Next for Airport Check-ins?


The future of air travel is looking more efficient, thanks to the many technological advancements being implemented at airports. From biometric screening and automated kiosks to RFID baggage tracking and AI-powered apps, the airport experience is getting faster and more seamless. There are challenges to work through, such as the cost of new technologies and making sure everyone, even the less tech-savvy, can use them. But the benefits of these changes are clear, and they’re already making air travel smoother, faster, and more secure.

Looking ahead, we can expect even more innovations that will continue to transform the way we travel. As technology evolves, these improvements will help make the airport experience quicker, safer, and much more enjoyable for all of us.

Feature Image via Changi Airport

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Maldives Signs Partnership with Liverpool FC as Official Tourist Destination

Liverpool FC and Maldives sign Tourism Partnership

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking islands and luxurious resorts, has taken a bold step to enhance its global tourism reach through an exciting new partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Announced by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives), this multi-year agreement designates the Maldives as the official tourist destination partner of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, covering both the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership aims to showcase the Maldives to a vast international audience, thereby driving a surge in high-value tourism to the island nation.

A Global Stage for the Maldives

Liverpool FC engages an audience of over 205 million followers globally, giving Visit Maldives an unparalleled platform to attract potential travelers. By leveraging the club’s influential reach, the Maldives plans to draw an additional 100,000 tourists in 2025, generating over $100 million for the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, on April 2nd, during a high-profile match against Everton, the Maldives will unveil the partnership, with branding prominently displayed on LED boards at Anfield Stadium, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide see it.

This strategic alliance extends beyond brand visibility at LFC matches. Visit Maldives will place billboards across Europe, targeting affluent travelers in key markets, and secure coverage in LFC’s official publications and digital platforms. With LFC’s TV audience exceeding 211 million per season and 53 million followers on social and digital channels, the Maldives positions itself as a top destination for luxury travelers and football fans alike.

Exclusive Experiences and Sports Tourism

Moreover, this partnership offers the Maldives unique opportunities, including the creation of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, further boosting sports tourism. The academy will attract aspiring athletes and football fans, blending their love for the sport with the beauty of the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. In addition, additional fan zones, appearances by LFC legends, and interactive digital campaigns will further engage audiences and drive travel interest.

As a part of this effort, Visit Maldives will incorporate these activations into their global events, fairs, and roadshows, building a cohesive branding presence that emphasizes the Maldives as a luxury destination. The partnership will reach over 397 million people per season, with an expected media value of over $17 million annually, thus delivering a significant return on investment.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond tourism, this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to sustainability. Both LFC and the Maldives commit to protecting the environment, with LFC’s “The Red Way” program promoting sustainability in sports, while Visit Maldives champions ocean conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Since the Maldives faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change, this collaboration highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the island nation’s unique ecosystem.

Ben Latty, LFC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual goals of sustainability and unforgettable experiences in this partnership. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expresses pride in aligning with Liverpool FC, noting that the collaboration will bring the Maldives closer to millions of passionate football fans and offer them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Forging a New Era in Global Tourism

This partnership between Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism marketing strategy. Not only does it strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury destination, but it also connects with global football fans, inviting them to experience the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Ultimately, by combining world-class tourism with the passion of football, the Maldives aims to capture the hearts of millions, inspiring them to choose the Maldives for their next unforgettable adventure.

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