American Airlines passengers can now store their passports on their phones to check in faster

AMERICAN Airlines has launched a new app feature that means their passengers may not have to show their passports at the airport to check in for international flights in future.

Instead, they could use the information that’s already loaded onto their phones to speed up the process.

American Airlines has released a passport scanning feature on their appCredit: Getty – Contributor

Previously, passengers who checked in for international flights on the American Airlines app still had to get their passports checked at the airport by a customer service agent – even if they already uploaded a photo of their passport on the app.

But the airline announced on Wednesday that it’s become the first to offer mobile passport scanning for international flights.

The new service can scan a passport’s Near Field Communication (NFC) chip and securely send that information to the mobile app for check-in, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

Maya Leibman, American’s chief information officer, said in a statement: “We are continuously adding features to our app to make travel easier and worry-free for our customers.

The feature can be used by US and non-US customers

It will use Near Field Communication to scan your passport information

The app could speed up the check in process

“Mobile passport scanning removes a time-consuming step, providing our customers with a smoother check-in experience for international flights.”

The service works with iOS and Android devices, according to the press release.

American Airlines has also started offering other helpful features on its app for passengers, including notifications for boarding and Siri shortcuts, the release said.

The app also has an option to be used in dark mode.

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The airline’s newer services also include biometric boarding for international flights, virtual 3-D tours of its aircraft online and an updated self-service kiosk menu, according to the press release.

American Airlines has also improved its family seating system, “which ensures adults and kids under 14, when travelling together on the same reservation, are seated together,” the release said.