Major American carrier Delta Air Lines and the flag carrier of Mexico Aeromexico have become the first two airlines to implement a digital system to provide passengers with a touchless check-in service.
The innovative solution, which was introduced by SkyTeam, allows travelers to check in digitally and get their boarding passes through either airline’s self-service channels, regardless of who is operating the flight. This allows passengers to head straight to security without needing to use a kiosk or see an agent, offering a faster airport experience.
Both airlines estimate that the technology will be beneficial to passengers as well as minimize queues at an airport while travelling internationally.
The SkyTeam touchless check-in technology is part of the SkyCare&Protect program dedicated to implementing a set of 22 various health and hygiene measures designed to improve passenger health safety during air travel.
In a statement dated February 1, 2022, Delta Air Lines cited an example of how the new seamless check-in technology hub will work on an international itinerary flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) via New York (JFK).
Initially, a passenger purchases a Delta Air Lines ticket for a flight from MEX airport to RDU airport via JFK. While the first leg of the journey is operated by Aeromexico and the second by Delta, the traveler can use the check-in system found on either carriers’ website or via their apps, check-in for both legs of the flight and generate boarding passes without the assistance of airport staff.
Delta Air Lines predicts that touchless check-in technology will benefit around 50,000 passengers each month.