Gatwick Airport partnered with low-cost carrier Easyjet to test new biometric boarding technology. The trial involves around 10,000 Easyjet passengers on European flights and collects personal data at self-service bag drops, later used to identify passengers at automated self-boarding gates.

The technology will scan passports, faces and boarding passes to make sure all match. The process is said to take less than 20 seconds. Customers without checked bags who want to take part in the trial can do so by using the scanners at the boarding gate area entrance.

The trial will last about three months and will reach 43 Easyjet routes leaving Gatwick.

Gatwick Airport’s chief operating officer Chris Woodroofe said: “Gatwick prides itself on providing innovative solutions to enhance the passenger experience at every touch point. With the rate of growth we have experienced, it is essential we are able to find more efficient ways of processing passengers through the airport safely and securely. Self-boarding technology is the obvious next piece in the jigsaw following extensive investment in our automated check-in and security processing areas.”