easyJet first to use online check in

EASYJET is the first airline in Europe to allow passenger check in by use of a new passport photo app.

Travellers using the airline, can now book, check-in and go through the boarding gates using a special app on their smartphones, therefore avoiding the lengthy manual process of data filling and tiresome booking procedures.

The new facility, operated by validation specialist Jumio, allows users to automate the process up to two hours before taking off from one of easyJet’s 110 airports. The process simply takes a picture of the passenger’s passport and the app completes the check-in.

The new service works with Jumio to ensure customer passports will be recorded ‘easily, safely and securely’.

James Millett, easyJet’s Head of Digital, said: “Our new mobile passport scanning function will save time for the millions of customers who use the app to input their travel documentation details.”

As customers approach bag drop, they are advised to open their boarding pass at the right time so it is ready to be scanned and further beacons will send messages to travellers when it is time to present their passport.

The instructions are sent to registered passengers’ mobile phones as they pass each strategic ‘beacon’ placed in the airports.

Any passenger who has downloaded the easyJet app can expect ‘helpful’ notifications each time they pass the Bluetooth transmitters dotted around the airport.

And the airline deems the trial successful, customers can expect to receive messages at more European airports telling them when to open their passports and show their boarding pass.

easyJet already uses Flight Tracker technology in its app to keep customers up to date with the latest information on their flights. 

The upgrade to their award-winning mobile app service, is available on both iOS and Android smartphones.