Q – Any thoughts on how things might change in terms of the check-in process, rules aboard aircraft etc? What can we expect?
A – Airlines have discovered major software deficiencies system-wide making the cancellation and transfer of credits extremely challenging. Automation challenges are being addressed now and should be in place when full-scale international air travel resumes by May 2021.
You should expect a rapid acceleration in the use of biometric facial ID at airports. This will help streamline the process. The checking-in of baggage will also be changed in some dramatic ways but that is, according to experts, about three to four years off. Facial ID achieved by having the passenger simply look into a camera will even become the norm at larger domestic airports.
Security clearance will not be initiated at check-in. El-Al has had a system in place for years that allows them to identify all passengers at the time of ticket purchase. Israeli security consultants think we are foolish for not doing the same.
Airlines will simply refuse to permit non-mask wearers to access the aircraft and, in most cases, the terminal. This will surely change over time but look for rule enforcement throughout 2021.
