Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » Travel Intel

In Sydney Airport, Your Face Is Your Passport

Travelers Today       By    MJ De Castro

Updated: Jul 08, 2018 09:28 PM EDT

Text Size: A A A

Passengers of Qantas at Sydney Airport will be the first ones to try the facial recognition technology, which uses their face scans.

The new plan is a move to eradicate the inconvenience of relying on traditional paper passports. The technology is being trialed on select international flights operated by Qantas.

The plan was announced last year following a controversial law passed in 2015, which allows the government to access biometric information from citizens, including foreign travelers and minors in the country's airports.

How It Works

Passengers will be asked if they would like to participate in the trial. If they agree, they will have their photo taken at a special kiosk, scan their passport, and check in. This creates the link between their passport, photo, and booking information. Additionally, Sydney Airport will be responsible for every passenger's data.

During the testing, passengers will be using the technology to check in, drop off their baggage, access the lounge area, and board the flight. Future trials in Sydney Airport is set to include mobile check-in and automated border processing.

According to John Coyne, head of border security for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the process would streamline the arrivals process of passengers, which enables them to walk out just like at a domestic airport. The move is at its early stage and is not being implemented overnight. The process will be a heavy task considering Sydney's 43 million annual passengers.

Geoff Culbert, Sydney Airport CEO, said that the airport has worked with Qantas for the undertaking and are happy to partner with them. He added that soon, passengers will no longer juggle their passports and baggage while checking in, and dig through their phones or pockets for their boarding pass because their face will be their passport and boarding pass at every step.

Privacy Concerns

Passengers concerned with privacy are assured that consent would be "actively sought." It would follow strict privacy standards and obey the legislation.

Dr. Bruce Baer Arnold, an assistant professor and privacy expert from the University of Canberra, told The Australian Financial Review that the trial will most likely be monitored by government departments and big corporates. He added that this would be the start of the use of biometric technology adoption in public spaces.

He added that the technology can be adapted across both private and public sectors. Although there will definitely be privacy concerns, there are also advantages.

Dr. Arnold also mentioned that the said approach can spread to Central Station in Sydney, Southern Cross stations in Melbourne, and other transport locations. If the security rationale is about stopping and preventing terrorism, it can also be extended to stadiums, shopping malls, and public squares.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

Tags
airport, Qantas, sydney, technology
© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics