Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH

07/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/02/2024 02:44

Use contactless services with BER Biometrics

How can BER Biometrics be used?

BER Biometrics can only be booked via the SmartDepart app from the provider Airsphere. For more information, including a link to download the app, visit

biometrics.berlin-airport.de

Passengers download the app onto their smartphone and create a profile with their name, an e-mail address and a selfie. They also need to check in and upload their boarding pass before using the app. They can then select the appropriate product for the day of departure in the app.

What products are available?

  • Self-service baggage check-in and printing the baggage label for independent baggage check-in
  • Using the BER Runway: passengers automatically receive a slot for the BER Runway when booking via BER Biometrics. This slot is valid from two hours before the selected time slot.
  • Access to the BER Lounge Tegel after prior booking for a fee

How is BER Biometrics used on-site in the terminal?

Facial recognition for BER Biometrics is only used in the terminal at explicitly signposted and clearly designated stations that have been set up for BER Biometrics users only. At the self-service machines specifically signposted with BER Biometrics, at the entrance to the BER Runway and in front of the Tegel lounge, the photo in the app on the smartphone is then matched against a photo taken on-site.

No original image files but only digitally created reference files are matched against each other to identify the boarding pass holder / app user and the passenger on-site.

If the images match, the airport receives the boarding pass information and grants the requested access. The boarding pass no longer needs to be presented.

Do passengers still need to carry a boarding pass?

Travellers must carry their printed or digital boarding pass with them at the airport at all times. It must be presented at the gate before boarding the aircraft. It also serves as proof in the event of any technical faults.

Can BER Biometrics be used for several people?

No, each passenger must create their own profile with BER Biometrics and can only navigate the process independently. You may not take accompanying persons with you.

Can BER Biometrics be used for all departures?

Access to the BER runway and the Tegel lounge can be used with BER Biometrics at all times. Fast Bag Drop (printing baggage labels and handing them in independently) is not yet offered by all airlines at BER Airport.

What are the data used for?

BER Biometrics uses the image taken in the terminal to review access authorisation. To that end, a digitally encrypted reference file is sent to the provider AirSphere and matched against the encrypted reference files available in the database at short notice. If they match, Airsphere forwards the required boarding pass information to the respective locations and access is granted.

How are the data protected?

When using the app, passengers have control at all times over the data they make available. Users can delete the data completely from the app at any time. All information in the app is stored in the local protected app memory and is not used without the user's consent.

The reference data of the selfie and the boarding pass are only forwarded in encrypted form and are deleted after landing at the latest when used for a flight.