SAS introduces fingerprint recognition

SAS Sverige is introducing a biometric solution for baggage handling at Arlanda and Landvetter to provide customers with simpler and smoother travel. Approximately 50 percent of all passengers on SAS's domestic flights travel with baggage and will be able to utilize the biometric solution.

The entire solution enables passengers to provide fingerprints when checking in their baggage, where the fingerprints will be stored temporarily. Upon boarding, the passenger will once again provide his/her fingerprint, which is then matched with the fingerprint that was given at the baggage check-in counter.

The aim of the biometric solution is to ensure that the person checking in the baggage is also the one boarding the aircraft, but in a smoother manner than today. Matching the baggage and person is a legal requirement and is implemented today using ordinary ID documents.

"Identifying yourselves by providing fingerprints will facilitate our customers' travel and is entirely voluntary since the use of ordinary ID documents is still an option. Personal integrity is protected because the information concerning the fingerprint is erased at the end of the flight," says Susanne Dahlberg, Commercial Director for SAS Sverige.

The biometric solution will simplify the self-service flow even more for passengers on the ground. The biometric solution for baggage handling has already been implemented at SAS Sverige's domestic destinations (with the exception of Örnsköldsvik) since December 2006.

"Surveys from our domestic destinations show that customers are very positive to biometrics and the possibility of facilitating travel. Consequently, passengers travelling with SAS from Arlanda and Gothenburg should also be given the opportunity to utilize this option. The next step is that we are also planning to make this possible for our customers on international flights," says Susanne Dahlberg.

From January 29, the biometric solution will be in operation from Arlanda to Luleå and Gothenburg and from Gothenburg to Arlanda. A few days later, the solution will be fully functional to and from all SAS Sverige's domestic routes (with the exception of Örnsköldsvik).