Spirit AirlinesвЂ™s data indicates that the photo-matching solution decreases the average processing time to just 70 seconds per passenger-a 30% reduction in time spent. Guests are instructed to place their bags on the conveyor belt attached to the unit, which then scans the bags, weighs them, accepts payment for any additional optional services and sends them straight into their airportвЂ™s checked baggage system without any further action from the guest.ДЄs the aviation industry continues to rebound, Spirit Airlines expects 90% of passengers to check their bags with their self-bag drop at the New York LaGuardia and Chicago OвЂ™Hare airports. A successful match initiates the rest of the automated bag check-in process.None of the data is transmitted to any government agency, nor does it leave SpiritвЂ™s possession at any time.

The unit compares its scan of the photo on the ID with a facial scan captured by its on-board sensors, along with comparing identification information with the guestвЂ™s reservation details.Once the guest opts in, the unit instructs them to scan their ID on the built-in hardware.They may either opt in and continue unassisted or opt out. Guests are advised of the biometric option prior to scanning their boarding pass at the self-bag drop unit.Spirit expects to eliminate this step once the TSA completes its evaluation and approval process. An agent will manually verify guestsвЂ™ identification before they approach the self-bag drop units.Spirit Airlines details the steps to their biometric photo-matching solution in their press release : Spirit AirlinesвЂ™s biometric bag drop with photo-matching. Limiting touchpoints and unnecessary face-to-face interactions will change the way airports operate.вЂќ Now in 2020, weвЂ™re realizing those same elements are just as valuable when it comes to helping people feel comfortable flying. вЂњWe knew early on that automation and biometric photo-matching would make the check-in process smoother. вЂњWe started looking at ways to improve the check-in experience in 2019 as part of our pledge to invest in the guest,вЂќ Spirit President and CEO Ted Christie said in a press release. Passengers can save time and reduce contact. Spirit AirlinesвЂ™s new biometric protocol for domestic air travel begins with customers tagging their checked bags and then sending them to the aircraft through an automated self-bag drop unit featuring biometric photo-matching. According to Spirit Airlines, the carrier is the first to make biometric check-in assistance available for domestic passengers. A year later, Spirit Airlines launched this new biometric experience at New YorkвЂ™s LaGuardia Airport and Chicago OвЂ™Hare International Airport. In 2019, the Florida-based airline began to develop this biometric solution for domestic flights. Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra low-cost fares, became the first in the United States to implement a biometric photo-matching solution.

Spirit check in