MONTREAL: IATA has launched an upgraded system for travel document verification in a bid to promote contactless travel and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040; hence, such an automated system is considered a necessity. Several providers are already collaborating with IATA to improve the new system Timatic AutoCheck.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced a new travel documentation and verification system, designed to facilitate contactless travel and enhance the overall passenger experience.
So far, the entire document checking process has been automated, offering personalised instructions for every individual passenger, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
To achieve this, the actual product Timatic was redesigned completely and upgraded to Timatic AutoCheck. According to IATA, the improved system now sets a new travel compliance standard, providing a user-friendly experience for accurate immigration information, benefiting travellers and industry professionals.
As per its projections, passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040. Hence it emphasised the ongoing necessity for optimising and enhancing airport procedures.
Verifying passengers’ travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks which will benefit from further automation. Moreover, the new features of Timatic AutoCheck will also play an essential role in supporting the industry in the move towards contactless travel.
In addition, a survey conducted recently by IATA revealed that 87 per cent of travellers are willing to share their immigration information in order to accelerate the airport arrival process. This shows an increase compared to 2022, when this figure was 83 per cent.
The survey also unveiled that, when visas are necessary, 66 per cent of travellers prefer obtaining them online before travel, while 20 per cent prefer to obtain them at a consulate or embassy visits, and 14 per cent prefer to receive them at the airport.
Taking advantage of traveller willingness to use online processes and share information in advance, Timatic AutoCheck enables airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents a customer friendly online solution, through which travellers can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport.
Commenting on the new product, Lager said that Timatic AutoCheck marks another advancement in enhancing efficiency and convenience in the travel industry. According to him, it empowers travellers to navigate regulations easily, providing confidence and peace of mind for their journeys.
In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations.
IATA has announced that Timatic AutoCheck can be integrated into airline reservation and departure control systems (DCS), along with distribution systems utilised by travel agencies and online booking platforms.
