Alaska Airlines Launches Mobile Passport Verification
Alaska Airlines announced this week an update for passengers flying internationally, hoping it will make their journey just a bit quicker. With a couple quick photos, you can now securely verify your passport before arriving at the airport.
Every traveler leaving or entering the United States is required to have their passport verified by their airline. Guests traveling internationally on Alaska flights and using U.S. or Canadian passports have the option to use the new Mobile Verify program. This means no longer needing to wait in line in the lobby or at the gate to have a customer service agent check your documents. You can take care of this step safely and securely even before you get to the airport.
“We’re reimagining the entire guest experience at our airports with the goal of getting you through the lobby in 5 minutes or less,” said Charu Jain, senior vice president of innovation and merchandising, in a statement. “We’re investing in technology that takes processes traditionally only available at an airport and makes them possible from your smartphone. This new Mobile Verify technology creates a seamless airport experience for guests traveling internationally – eliminating the uncertainty that comes with having to wait in airport lines.”
How It Works
First, you will need to create your digital identity. This is a one-time setup that you only have to do this once during the lifespan of your passport.
- download the Airside Digital Identity mobile app on an iOS or Android device.
- take a selfie of your face.
- scan your passport photo page.
- hold your phone against the inside of the passport’s back cover to read the embedded chip.
The app verifies your information by scanning the photo page of the passport and reading the embedded NFC chip. Then, the digital ID is securely stored on your mobile device until you choose where and when to share it.
Then, once you have your digital identity, there are just a couple steps before each trip. The Alaska app will prompt you to open your Airside app to:
- select your departure date and location.
- enter your confirmation code.
This gives a one-time consent to use your digital identity, which alerts Alaska that you have had your documents verified for international travel and do not need to see an agent. You’ll repeat this simple process for each international trip.
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This is great that more airlines do this, but they should have it built into their own apps. United has this already in their app.