In a bold new move British Airways launches self-service boarding at Terminal 5
After a successful trial last June, three self-boarding gates for UK domestic flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5 are now open. These gates will clearly be a benefit for passengers who simply scan their own boarding pass when they arrive at the gate and then walk through to the aircraft.
A digital facial scan of the passenger using biometric facial recognition technology is recorded when they travel through security, and when they arrive at the gate, their face is matched with this image when they present their boarding pass which allows them to board the aircraft.
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 that will enhance the experience British Airways customers have during their time at the airport.
British Airways has also opened self-service bag drop points at Gatwick and Heathrow, and later this year will introduce an improved, more streamlined connections area at Terminal 5.
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.”
