Thales | Cloud Protection & Licensing Solutions
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Thales | Cloud Protection & Licensing Solutions
More About This Author >
Thales Contributors: Frederic Klat, Sales Acceleration Director, and Ward Duchamps, Director of Strategy and Innovation, CIAM
If you’re one of the millions of people travelling by air this holiday season, you’re probably already looking forward to getting some much-needed downtime, reuniting with loved ones – or maybe just escaping to somewhere sunnier. While airports are at their busiest during the holiday season, we’re often amazed at how smoothly things usually go these days. Sure, there’s always the risk of a dreaded delay and cancellation. But if you look at the big picture, the fact that air travel works as well as it does is actually kind of a holiday miracle in and of itself. From our perspective, it’s also proof of how far digital identity technologies have come. As you take to the sky this holiday season, you’ve got a perfect opportunity to witness the latest digital identity innovations in action.
Loyalty Programs That Actually Feel Rewarding
Let’s start before you even book your flight. Remember those loyalty programs you signed up for but barely use? With digital identity technology, airlines are making loyalty programs worth your time again. They’re not just about collecting miles anymore. You get personalized deals, exclusive upgrades, and even offers for things like rental cars or vacation packages – all without jumping through hoops. With capabilities like passwordless login and seamless integration of your existing Google and Apple account verification details, signing up becomes both easy and secure.
Additionally, data is collected progressively, only for the specific service and purpose you need, so you won’t have to fill out endless forms or worry about how your personal information is used. And if you’re booking directly with the airline, you’ll likely score even more perks. Our Thales 2024 Digital Trust Index reveals that seamless, personalized experiences like these are key to earning long-term customer trust. It’s a win-win: you get treated like a VIP, and airlines build trust and loyalty in return.
Next-Level Luggage Drop-Off
With the latest digital identity technology, luggage drop-off and scanning have become faster and more secure than ever. At self-service kiosks, you can quickly scan your luggage with the help of advanced biometric and identification capabilities that cross-reference your identity with your baggage tag or booking information.
This process ensures that only authorized bags make it onto the plane, and accelerates the flow of passengers, reducing wait times and eliminating manual checks. By linking digital identity and automated luggage scanning, airlines are creating a more efficient and stress-free travel experience, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your journey ahead.
Check-In Without the Headaches
We all know the check-in process can set the tone for your trip. And this holiday season, the lines will be longer than ever. That’s where digital identity comes to the rescue. To further cut down the wait times, airlines use Identity Document Verification (IDV) as the first step, quickly scanning your passport to verify your identity. This ensures a smooth transition to the next step: biometric face scan at the gate, providing a final confirmation of who you are in seconds.
This integration enables a seamless, touchless check-in experience, with automated gates ensuring efficiency every step of the way. Options like these help take the edge off the airport experience and get everyone on board faster, so the holiday fun can begin. At the same time, airlines can ensure extra security that prevents fraud attempts, reduces IT overhead and improves operational performance.
The result? Happier customers who are more likely to return and airlines better equipped to manage their bottom line.
The Sky's the Limit
Even in the air, you can see digital identity technology in action. Any time the cabin crew greets you by name or remembers your meal preferences – that’s digital identity at work. By securely exchanging passenger data with third parties like the airport, luxury brands you’ve shopped from, or in-flight entertainment providers, airlines are making travel more personal, whether it’s suggesting a movie you’ll love or celebrating your birthday onboard. Plus, if you’ve got a tight connection or a specific need, crew members can help before you even have to ask.
The cabin crew access only the data they need each time, reducing the risk of breaches, protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with global regulations. That’s more than just good service – it’s proactive service that’s bringing air travel into the age of user experience.
Making Every Journey Seamless
Holiday travel can be… a lot. But from the moment you book your flight to the second you step off the plane, digital identity technology is quietly working to make your trip as smooth as possible. It’s this tech that helps airlines surprise you with thoughtful extras, streamline the boring parts, and keep your personal data safe. For airlines, it’s not just about improving the journey – it’s about creating an experience you’ll actually want to relive.
So, this holiday season, as we navigate busy airports and crowded flights, we can also be amazed at how much smoother things have become, thanks to digital identity. New technologies will continue to make air travel easier, more personal, and yes – even more enjoyable. Here’s to journeys that feel a little less ordinary and a lot more memorable. Happy Holidays and safe travels!
Curious about how digital identity is transforming the airline industry? See it in action today or explore our Identity solutions in more detail.