How Technology Is Making Airports and Borders Smoother

New tools are speeding up airports and borders. Here is how they work, and what to prepare.

What's changing

Many airports and borders use technology to speed up queues: e-passport gates, facial recognition, online check-in and mobile boarding passes. Systems vary widely by country.

Tools you may meet

• E-gates: Passport gates that match your face to your passport photo.
• Pre-registration programmes: Systems that let approved travellers use faster lanes.
• Online check-in and digital boarding passes.
• Digital customs and immigration forms that you complete before arrival.
• Smart luggage tracking.

How to prepare

1. Check requirements for each country, such as digital arrival cards or travel authorisations.
2. Make sure your passport is an e-passport, with the chip symbol.
3. Download the airline and airport apps.
4. Keep your phone charged and carry a paper backup.
5. Arrive early the first time you use an unfamiliar system.

Privacy

Biometric data collection raises questions. Read the privacy information, and ask about opt-out options where available.

Systems and rules change, so check official sources.