JAL and Haneda Airport test transfers with facial recognition; in the future, check-in may not require a passport

JAL and Tokyo International Air Terminal joined an IATA program to test boarding and transfer using facial recognition and digital credentials.

The trial used digital credentials in a mobile wallet plus face data for a Haneda–Hong Kong–London journey, marking a world-first success.

If adopted broadly, the approach could make airport procedures more contactless and streamlined, with less need for passport checks or some in-person verification.