Airline group the Star Alliance will use IATA’s Timatic AutoCheck travel documentation and verification system to streamline the airport experience.

The alliance’s 26 members will benefit from the “next generation” system that provides access to accurate and clearly worded immigration information.

The document checking process has been automated with tailored instructions for each passenger.

IATA said with passenger traffic set to double by 2040, optimising airport processes will be necessary.

“Verifying passengers’ travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks which will benefit from further automation,” the aviation body added.

Timatic AutoCheck is expected to play an key role in supporting the transition towards contactless travel.

Star Alliance said it expects to have the travel documents of over 340 million travellers checked via Timatic AutoCheck annually.

Theo Panagiotoulias, chief executive of Star Alliance, said: “Star Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience.

“We are delighted to partner with IATA for the Timatic AutoCheck platform, which we believe will not only boost operational efficiency for our member airlines but also significantly improve the customers’ airport experience.

“As travellers increasingly prioritize seamless journeys with minimum hassle, our adoption of the Timatic platform is a significant step in the right direction.

IATA director general Willie Walsh added: “Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry.

“By effortlessly navigating travel regulations, passengers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

“We are delighted that Star Alliance has chosen to continue our long-standing partnership and keep entrusting IATA Timatic as the source and tool for document compliance check”.

IATA’s most recent Global Passenger Survey (GPS) revealed that complex visa requirements deter travellers who want a convenient, digital online visa process.

Many travellers say they are willing to share their travel document information for faster airport immigration procedures.

The IATA survey found:

•    36% of travellers said they have been discouraged from traveling to a particular destination because of the immigration requirements. Process complexity was highlighted as the main deterrent by 49% of travellers, 19% cited costs and 8% privacy concerns.

•    Where visas are required, 66% of travellers want to obtain a visa online prior to travel, 20% prefer to go to the consulate or embassy and 14% at the airport.

•    87% of travellers indicated they would share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, representing an increase from the 83% reported in 2022.

Walsh said: “Taking advantage of travellers’ willingness to use online processes and share information in advance, Timatic AutoCheck enables airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents a customer-friendly online solution, through which travellers can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport.”