Physical boarding passes — and even mobile ticketing — may be a thing of the past if the new “e-thumb” technology that Alaska Airlines is currently testing catches on.
Bloomberg reports that the Seattle-based airliner has installed fingerprint readers in four of its airport lounges as a way for fliers to check-in without having to show an employee a boarding pass and physical identification.
There are many privacy and security hoops to jump through before this type of biometric technology — which is also found in Apple’s Touch ID iPhone scanners — makes it to other checkpoints in the check-in process. But Alaska notes that the “e-thumb” machines have been well received by travelers thus far, with the amount of time saved being a noted benefit.
The company has historically tried to implement new technology for its customers, having developed a robust mobile app, adding power outlets to seats, and replacing pilot manuals with iPads. But the fingerprint readers could prove to be its most innovative and effective solution yet if regulators approve of the technology and other airliners adopt it.
