Travelers flying out of Heathrow Airport can leave their passports and boarding passes in their bags this summer, as the airport is introducing facial recognition technology that doesn't require it.
In what they're calling the largest biometric technology rollout in the world, Heathrow is undergoing a £50million project that will install facial recognition technology at check-in, bag drops, security lanes and boarding gates in an effort to make the travel experience more seamless.
This new technology is expected to reduce an average passenger's time from check-in to take-off by up to one-third.
Heathrow has already been using the technology for domestic flights and in some stages on entry to the U.K. at the border with biometric e-gates, however, this is the first time it will be used for a departing traveler, especially those traveling internationally.
The airport's "long-term aim of the technology will be for passengers to walk through the airport without breaking their stride".
Travelers who feel uncomfortable using the technology can choose to op out.
Last October, Heathrow customer relations and service director Jonathan Coen said, "As our passenger numbers continue to grow, we must look for innovative ways to make it easier and quicker for them to travel through Heathrow with choice, whilst keeping our airport secure."
"Biometrics are key to helping us do that and we are really excited about the biggest roll out of this equipment at any UK airport."
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