American Airlines first to launch mobile app passport scanning

Checking in for an international flight is easier now. American Airlines launches passport scanning in its mobile app. After launching this app the airline has become the first airline to offer passport chip scanning that securely transmits passport information directly from the Near Field Communication (NFC) chip embedded in the passport. This app allows customers to move directly to the gate for international flights without having their passports rechecked by a customer service agent.

Maya Leibman, American’s Chief Information Officer also said that “We are continuously adding features to our app to make travel easier and worry-free for our customers,” He also added that “Mobile passport scanning removes a time-consuming step, providing our customers with a smoother check-in experience for international flights.”

Currently, customers taking their flights on international airports who check in on the app, have their passports rechecked at the airport. Passengers require this step even if the customers have uploaded a photo of their passport via the mobile app. With this new change, the customer will be prompted to enter their passport information and then they can scan their passport with an iOS or Android device. This app provides very easy-to-follow instructions for this process.

This feature is the latest in a long line of new customer features. American airlines has implemented to the airline’s app to make travel easier for customers. Besides that the airline has introduced boarding notifications, Siri shortcuts and a dark mode option. American has also added some additional services to improve the travel experiences. These services include biometric international boarding, virtual 3D aircraft tours online, a redesigned self-service kiosk menu that simplifies the check-in process and an improved family seating approach. This ensures adults and kids under 14, while traveling together on the same reservation, are seated together.