Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport will launch digital check-in procedures for departure flights next year in an effort to cut down wait times for travelers, reported Ynet.
The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) announced that online check-in for travelers will be expanded to include luggage. At the new terminal called Touch-and-Play, passengers can weigh their own luggage on a scale and pay a fee, if necessary for their airline, before being able to independently print baggage tags and send their baggage directly to their plane.
These self-service terminals will be placed in the departure hall and are expected to shorten the check-in process by up to 30 minutes, the IAA said in a statement.
More than 50 percent of airline passengers currently chose online check-in, according to officials.
“Advanced technologies will allow us to offer travelers a range of services,” the IAA said. “With more Touch & Play terminals, overseas travelers will be subjected to a security check only after they complete their check-in process, online or via the check-in terminals. This will shorten waiting periods and improve passengers’ experience.”
IAA CEO Hagai Topolansky added: “Our goal is to improve services immediately, and in the long run, transition to the most advanced digital field available.”
The IAA estimates that 18 million passengers will travel through Ben-Gurion International Airport in 2022, rising next year to 24 million.
