The UK is rapidly advancing its shift toward digital identity in air travel, with a major rollout of facial recognition technology announced in March 2025 across 14 major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and others. The initiative introduces “contactless corridors” equipped with high-powered cameras that scan travellers’ faces, removing the need to present physical passports. By cross-referencing facial data with existing passport and vehicle records, the system aims to boost both efficiency and security at border control.
At the same time, British Airways is expanding its biometric boarding trial at Heathrow Terminal 5, allowing passengers on select international routes to board without showing a passport. These developments are part of a broader global push to replace traditional check-ins and boarding passes with seamless, identity-based travel experiences.
However, as the rollout accelerates, public opinion remains divided. A new AirAdvisor survey of over 1,000 British travellers reveals a mix of curiosity and concern, many are intrigued by the promise of convenience, but wary of potential risks around privacy, system reliability, and the loss of personal choice.
Growing awareness, but hesitation to let go of paper
Nearly half of UK respondents (49%) are aware that airports may soon replace traditional boarding passes with digital identity systems, a sign that the concept is gaining traction. Awareness is notably higher among younger adults aged 18-42 (59%) but drops to just 42% among those aged 59 and older. By comparison, awareness is slightly lower in the US (47%), and significantly lower in France, where only 33% of respondents reported being informed.
Despite this awareness, enthusiasm in the UK remains measured. While 29% of respondents describe themselves as “excited” by the idea of faster, smoother travel, a larger group (43%) say they are “cautiously optimistic”, open to the shift if it proves reliable. UK enthusiasm appears slightly higher than elsewhere: just 25% of Americans and 23% of French respondents reported being excited. Generational differences are sharp: 35% of 18–26-year-olds in the UK are excited by the prospect, compared to just 17% of those aged 69 and older.
And while momentum builds, the attachment to paper remains strong. An overwhelming 87% of British travellers still want the option to print a boarding pass, 36% say “always”, and 51% say “just in case.” Only a small minority (12%) are ready to embrace a fully digital journey.
Conditional trust and deep concerns about data
Facial recognition technology receives only moderate trust among UK travellers. Just 31% say they trust it completely, a figure slightly higher than in the US, where 25% expressed full trust, and France, where only 24% did. Nearly half of British respondents (48%) say they trust the technology “mostly, but with concerns,” while a combined 20% express discomfort or outright distrust.
Among the top concerns, 72% of travellers fear system glitches or technical failures, 57% are worried about data privacy, and 52% believe the system may not be accessible to travellers who do not own smartphones. The idea of digitising official travel documents is also met with caution: 47% of UK respondents say they would be open to storing their passport on a smartphone-based digital ID, but only if the system is secure and officially approved by the government.
Trust in facial recognition declines sharply with age. Among 18–26-year-olds, 95% say they trust the technology either completely or with some reservations. Among those aged 69 and older, that figure falls to just 58%. Concerns about personal data use also increase with age: 74% of respondents over 69 say they are concerned about how their information would be handled, compared to 65% of younger adults aged 18–26. A similar generational gap appears when looking at attitudes toward digitising sensitive documents. Only 6% of young adults are uncomfortable with storing their passport on a smartphone, while that discomfort rises sharply to 41% among older respondents.
Cost expectations: digital Convenience won’t come cheap
Despite promises of efficiency, only 10% believe digital identity will reduce the cost of air travel. A third (33%) expect it will lead to new hidden fees or infrastructure charges, while the majority (57%) don’t expect significant change. This skepticism reinforces the need for transparent implementation, particularly as passengers remain alert to how these technologies might affect both their wallets and their rights.
“The future of air travel is becoming digital, but British travellers aren’t rushing in blindly,” says Anton Radchenko, founder and CEO of AirAdvisor. “What we see is cautious curiosity: people are open to technology that genuinely improves their experience, but they’re also deeply protective of their privacy and the right to choose.”
“Facial recognition and digital IDs might speed things up, but for most Britons, it’s not worth it if it means giving up control or increasing the risk of system failure. This shift will only work if it remains optional, secure, and backed by clear accountability from both airlines and government.”
