British Airways introduces self-service boarding gates at Heathrow

British Airways has opened new self-service boarding gates at Heathrow. Continue reading →

British Airways has opened new self-service boarding gates at Heathrow.

The airline has introduced the automated biometric technology at three boarding gates at the airport in a bid to create a smoother journey for passengers.

It follows a trial last June, through which 4,000 passengers tried out the technology.

Travellers scan their boarding pass when they arrive at the gate and walk through to the aircraft.

A digital facial scan of the customer is recorded when they travel through security and when they arrive at the gate their face is matched with this representation when they present their boarding pass.

BA says safety and security is “at the core” of the move, and claims its equipment is more advanced than other systems currently used by other airlines and airports.

Three more British Airways self-boarding gates will open at each domestic departure stand each week until mid-June, with a view to roll-out the scheme on international flights in the future.

The introduction of the new gates is part of wider investment into new technology.

British Airways has also opened self-service bag drop points at Gatwick and Heathrow.

Troy Warfield, British Airways’ director of customer experience, said: “Our customers have told us that they want the ability to simplify and speed up their journeys through the airport.

“The addition of self-boarding gates, along with self-serve bag drop points, are just two of the ways in which we are investing in areas our customers value most.”