Lufthansa Group to be first to implement Star Alliance Biometrics.

Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, has completed development of an interoperable biometric identity and identification platform that will significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyer programme customers of Star Alliance member airlines.

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The Star Alliance Biometrics platform advances the vision of Star Alliance member airlines of delivering a seamless customer journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within its travel ecosystem.

Starting in November, Lufthansa Group airlines, Lufthansa (a founding member of Star Alliance) and SWISS will be the first to use Star Alliance Biometrics for selected flights starting in November. Specific infrastructure is being installed at hub airports Frankfurt and Munich, reaping operational benefits at both locations.

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Members of the Lufthansa and SWISS Miles & More Frequent Flyer Program who opt-in to biometrics will be able to pass through both security access and boarding gates in a touchless manner, an important health and hygiene safety measure in times of COVID-19.

In keeping with the requirement to wear masks in the airport terminal, it is not required to remove the mask for the biometric identity check. The identification process works for passengers wearing masks.

The Star Alliance Biometrics service is built upon NEC Corporation’s NEC I:Delight biometric and identity management platform software. The secure service is available at no cost to customers of the Miles & More program who have consented to share their biometric data with stakeholders of their choice during travel.

How does registration work?

With immediate effect, and with a few simple steps on their mobile device, Miles & More customers will have the option to enroll in Star Alliance Biometrics, and access it through a link within the Lufthansa application.

Single registration, multiple use

Customers only need to enroll once and then can use their biometrics multiple times at any participating airport biometric points of contact each time they travel with a Star Alliance member airline that has implemented Star Alliance Biometrics.

Data Privacy and Security

Personal data such as photo and other identification details are encrypted and stored securely within the platform. From the beginning, the system has been designed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, making use of the latest in facial recognition technology. Storage of personal data is kept to a minimum; for example, no customer names are stored.

“We are very proud to have founding member Lufthansa as the first airline to implement the Star Alliance Biometrics solution at its two hubs at Frankfurt and Munich airports. This customer-centric solution promotes our innovation credentials, particularly our multi-airline and airport capabilities. While it offers the customer a seamless travel experience, it is also a critical development that addresses customers’ expectations for a safer and more hygienic contactless experience. Star Alliance Biometrics is a key part of our strategy to be the most digitally advanced global airline alliance,” said Jeffrey Goh, Star Alliance CEO.