Heathrow passengers are the first in the world to use an innovative technology as part of the airport’s drive to further improve the passenger experience. Terminal 1 passengers are being invited to take part in a two-month ‘self-boarding’ trial in partnership with South African Airways, using biometric data to make boarding faster and more efficient. When passengers reach the ‘self-boarding’ gate, they pass through an automatic electronic barrier that takes an infrared scan of their face. This information is checked against the biometric data that was taken at the check-in stage. When the two sets of data scans are successfully matched, the barrier opens and the passenger can pass through and board their flight. The technology means that a passenger’s identity needs to be checked by airline staff only once in the whole departure process, reducing the time it takes for passengers to get to their seats ready for take-off. It also allows airline staff to spend more time with passengers who require more assistance.   The personal data is stored securely and will be destroyed at the end of the trial. So far over 300 South African Airways passengers have chosen to use the technology for their departure. New technology is already being used by passengers throughout the departure process, from checking in via mobile phones, self-service bag drops to automated ticket presentation prior to passenger security. Introduced in November 2012, the self-service bag drop enables passengers to generate and attach their own bag tags before placing their luggage on to the automated bag drop facility. Feedback from this trial has been positive, showing passengers are quick to adopt new technology to help streamline their journey through the airport.