Heathrow to trial fingerprint scans

Fingerprint checks could speed check-in and boost security

Heathrow Airport is to begin trials of fingerprint checks, with passengers travelling on Emirates and Cathay Pacific airlines being asked to volunteer.

The trial, known as miSense, will involve passengers travelling before January 31 next year to provide a right index fingerprint and scan of their passport.

They can then enter the departure lounge by simply placing their index finger on a scanner and running their boarding card through a reader.

It is hoped the fingerprint check can speed passenger processing while improving security at the airport.

Passengers will be asked to scan their fingerprint at the security gate and again at the boarding gate. Details will be checked against the record made when the passenger checked in after which, they will receive priority boarding.

Information will be stored by the Immigration Service and will be destroyed following completion of the trial.

The scanners could improve verification of people departing Heathrow and tighten up border control and security.

The scheme has been developed by BAA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, the Home Office and a number of technology suppliers.

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