Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) Modernizes! Faster Progress through Biometrics, Runways, and Self-Check-In Luggage
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is becoming one of the most modern hubs in Europe. Since opening in 2020, the airport has introduced numerous technologies to provide passengers with a comfortable, faster and safer travel experience. The latest innovations include the use of biometric technologies, the expansion of the runways and the baggage self-check-in system. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the significance and advantages of these developments and how they improve the passenger experience at BER.
Biometric technologies at BER Airport: BER Biometrics
The use of biometrics, which revolutionises the way passengers navigate through the airport, is the complete technical development at airports around the world.
At Berlin Brandenburg Airport, this technology is continuously being expanded to increase efficiency while also increasing the level of security for travellers.
What is biometrics and how does it work?
Biometrics is the science of identifying individuals based on unique physical characteristics, such as facial features, fingerprints or even the iris of the eye. At BER, facial recognition is being used more and more to enable passengers to go through the airport with virtually no contact. Without the tedious process of showing ID documents and boarding passes, travellers can pass through the various checkpoints simply by having their faces scanned.
At its core, this system works by linking biometric data with personal information from the passport and boarding pass. This data is collected in advance and checked at every step of the travel process – from check-in to security control to boarding. The system compares the scanned passenger's face with the stored data and then gives real-time clearance, allowing you as a passenger to get through the airport faster.
The advantages of biometrics at BER are clear:
- Time savings: One of the biggest advantages of biometric systems is the significant reduction in waiting times. You no longer have to present any additional documents, and the automated verification largely eliminates the need for manual checks by staff.
- Increased security: Biometric data is unique and, unlike conventional ID documents, cannot be falsified or manipulated.
- Contactless process: Especially in times of COVID-19 and other health crises, the contactless process is particularly advantageous. They touch significantly fewer surfaces, which significantly reduces any risk of infection.
- Optimised passenger experience: Overall, biometrics ensure a pleasant travel experience. Passengers can prepare for the flight in a more relaxed manner and their hands are not full of documents.
The introduction of biometric systems should also be a considerable improvement for frequent flyers and tech-savvy travellers in particular.
BER Biometrics Services can be accessed via the SmartDepart app. For details of how to use the service, please refer to the instructions on the official BER Airport website.
The BER Runway: Optimising capacities and efficiency
In addition to advanced biometric systems, BER has also further developed other infrastructures to meet the increasing demands of air traffic. The expansion and optimisation of security checks – with so-called runways – play a central role here.
The BER Runway is an exclusive service offered by Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) that enables passengers to pass through security checks much more quickly. This service is particularly attractive during periods of high passenger traffic, such as the school holidays in Berlin and Brandenburg, as it helps to avoid long waiting times and minimise travel stress.
How the BER Runway works and how to book it:
The BER Runway works by using a separate lane to the security check that travellers can use with a pre-booked time slot. This can be booked online via the official BER airport website and must be done in good time before the planned flight. The service is free to book. The offer is available to a limited extent to ensure that waiting times remain minimal. It is better to look too early than too late for a free slot.
Advantages of the BER Runway:
By prioritising at the security checkpoint, travellers save time, which is particularly useful for business travellers or families with children. Access to the BER Runway is convenient because passengers are in a separate area that is less crowded. This not only significantly reduces waiting time, but also makes the entire process at the airport more relaxed, allowing for a more restful start to the holiday.
For travellers who depend on flexibility, the BER Runway is an ideal solution. Spontaneous changes or unexpected delays can be better accommodated because the time at the security check is used more efficiently. Particularly at peak times, such as the start of the holidays or on public holidays, the Runway service is a useful addition to your own travel. The BER Runway is a practical service for anyone who values convenience and time savings.
Baggage self-check-in: more autonomy for passengers
In addition to the biometrics and runways, Berlin Brandenburg Airport has introduced another innovative system: self-service baggage check-in. This system offers travellers more flexibility and autonomy by allowing them to check in their baggage independently, without the need for airport staff.
How does self-service baggage check-in work?
Self-service baggage check-in is a process that allows passengers to check in their baggage independently. At special stations located in the check-in halls, you can scan your baggage and print the labels that need to be attached to your suitcase.
After that, your baggage will be placed on a conveyor belt that will take it directly to the security checkpoint and on to the aircraft. You can also find out how much your baggage weighs on the baggage carousel.
The advantages of self-service baggage drop-off
- Time efficiency: The baggage self-check-in system allows you to check in your baggage quickly and without waiting at the counter. This can save a considerable amount of time, especially at peak times. The self-check-ins are easy to understand and therefore quick to use.
- Personal responsibility: With self-check-in, passengers have more control over the check-in process and can complete it independently and at their own pace.
- Reduced contacts: Similar to biometric technologies, the self-check-in system also offers a contactless process, which is an important advantage, especially in times of COVID-19 and other health crises.
- Easy to use: The self-check-in stations are designed to be intuitive and do not require any prior technical knowledge. The instructions are clear and available in different languages to make the process easier for international travellers.
The self-check-in system has already proven itself in many international airports and is now also an essential part of the modern passenger service at BER.
Integration with biometric technologies
In the future, baggage self-check-in is also expected to be more closely linked to biometric systems. For example, passengers could then check in their baggage using only facial recognition, without having to show a ticket or boarding pass.
Conclusion: an airport of the future
With its latest innovations in the areas of biometrics, runways and baggage self-check-in, Berlin Brandenburg Airport shows what the future of travel could look like. The introduction of these technologies not only increases efficiency, but also significantly improves the travel experience for passengers.
For you as a traveller, this means, above all, less waiting time, more comfort and an overall more relaxed flight experience.
By the way: travelling from Berlin Brandenburg Airport is not only becoming more and more convenient thanks to numerous technical innovations such as biometrics. Parking at BER is also becoming easier and more convenient. Just a few minutes away from BER, for example, you will find Berlin's most modern multi-storey car park, which we operate. Among other things, it has a highly sophisticated licence plate recognition system that automatically opens the barrier.
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