JetBlue will test a paperless and deviceless self-boarding
process on flights from Boston to Aruba beginning in June.
The carrier is undertaking the pilot project in conjunction
with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is doing trials geared
toward offering a biometric exit process for international travelers.
JetBlue flyers who opt in during the boarding process are
photographed at a camera station that is connected to the CBP database. As
such, the station instantly matches the passenger's image to passport, visa or
immigration photos. The passenger is then informed via a teleprompter that he
or she is clear to board the plane.
The air transport industry technology company SITA is
providing the camera stations.
CBP hopes that biometric technology can eventually ease
movement through airports while enhancing security.