Lufthansa is launching a biometric boarding pilot at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to streamline the boarding process. Conducted in partnership with Amadeus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Los Angeles World Airports Authority, and Vision-Box, the pilot uses facial recognition to verify passengers at the gate.
The self-boarding system compares live facial images with records in the CBP database to perform real-time identity verification. When a match is confirmed, passengers can board without presenting a physical or mobile boarding pass, reducing wait times and paper handling.
“The growing need for airlines, airports and authorities to provide faster and more convenient ways for travelers to move through the airport presents a clear opportunity for biometrics,” said Bjoern Becker, senior director of product management for ground and digital services at Lufthansa. “Lufthansa is committed to improving the customer experience through advanced technologies and innovative solutions, and this pilot is a further step toward that goal.”
John Wagner, deputy executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, added that CBP is pleased to collaborate with industry partners to show how facial biometrics can deliver secure and seamless travel benefits to passengers.
If the trial proves successful, Lufthansa plans to expand the biometric boarding process to additional U.S. airports. The broader rollout would aim to speed boarding, enhance security screening, and improve the overall passenger experience while maintaining compliance with privacy and data-protection requirements.