Delta to test self-service bag drop with facial recognition in U.S.

Delta Air Lines announced it will introduce four self-service bag drop machines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this summer, one of which will test facial recognition technology to match customers with their passport photos through identification verification.

The facial recognition-based bag drop machine marks a first time for a U.S. airline carrier, which is designed to allow customers to quickly, securely and easily check their own bags.

“We expect this investment and new process to save customers time,” said Gareth Joyce, Delta’s senior vice president of airport customer service and cargo. “And, since customers can operate the biometric-based bag drop machine independently, we see a future where Delta agents will be freed up to seek out travelers and deliver more proactive and thoughtful customer service.”

The move is the latest step by Delta to streamline airport processes and is complimented by the airlines radio frequency identification technology.

The airline previously worked with the Transportation Security Administration to implement the first automated screening lanes in the U.S. at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

“This is the next step in curating an airport experience that integrates thoughtful innovation from start to finish,” Joyce added. “We’re making travel easier than ever for our customers and continuing to deliver a leading customer experience.”

Throughout the trial phase, Delta will collect customer feedback and run process analyses to ensure that the biometric-based technology improves the overall customer experience.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification