# Passport-Scanning Travel Apps United Airlines' App Makes Plane Travel That Much Easier By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-08-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/united-airlines-app References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/08/united-airlines-passport-scanning-app.html) & [hub.united](https://hub.united.com/en-us/news/company-operations/pages/passport-scanning-now-offered-in-united-app.aspx) An update to the [United Airlines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-experiences) app now makes it possible for passengers to [scan their own passports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-photoid) with their phone cameras. Although there are plenty of kiosks in-airport that let travelers to this already, this is a first in terms of mobile apps. The passport-scanning feature works in a similar way to how you're able to make secure mobile deposits by snapping a picture of a cheque. Travelers have 24 hours before departure to scan their passports with the United app, so that Jumio, a third party management service can verify a person's credentials. Once verified, a traveler is able to claim their boarding pass and proceed to catch their flight. With the app, it's also possible for users to see the last boarding time for a flight, so that they can board at their leisure. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Passport-scanning Apps:** Passport-scanning features in mobile apps introduce a convenient and secure way for travelers to check-in and verify their credentials. - **Mobile Check-in:** Mobile apps that allow users to check-in and manage their travel documents disrupt the traditional airport kiosk process. - **Enhanced Boarding Experience:** Apps that provide real-time flight information and streamline the boarding process enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Travel and Tourism:** The travel and tourism industry can leverage passport-scanning apps to improve the check-in process and provide a seamless travel experience. - **Technology and Mobile Apps:** The technology and mobile app industry can capitalize on the opportunity to develop and enhance mobile check-in features for various airlines. - **Identity Verification Services:** Identity verification service providers can explore partnerships with airlines to offer secure and efficient passport-scanning solutions for travelers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone Passport ID Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-digital-id.md) - [Aviation-Centric Facial Imaging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facial-imaging-app.md) - [In-App Baggage-Tracking Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-canada-mobile-app.md) - [Digital Travel Document Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-us-passport.md) - [Airport Authentication Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abu-dhabi-airports.md) - [Bespoke Air Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bespoke-air-travel-app.md) - [Wheelchair-Mindful Airline Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-experiences.md) - [Text Message Aircraft Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-radar-maps.md) - [Feature-Rich Airport Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byair-app.md)