Sydney Airport and Qantas have teamed up to trial facial recognition technology that will allow passengers to go through most stages of airport checks without a passport or boarding pass.

As part of the first stage of ‘couch-to-gate’ biometrics trial, four key steps in the journey will be tested, which includes automated check-in, bag drop, lounge access and boarding.

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The trial has been extended to Qantas passengers on selected international flights. In future trials, the technology will also include mobile check-in and automated border processing.

“There will be no more juggling passports and bags at check-in and digging through pockets or smartphones to show your boarding pass – your face will be your passport and your boarding pass.”

Upon becoming fully operational, the biometrics system will allow travellers to complete most stages of their airport journey using their face as their access identification.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said that the trial is part of a broader focus on investing in technology to make the airport experience easier and convenient for passengers.

“We’re very excited that select Qantas passengers now have the chance to experience this highly sophisticated technology as part of this landmark trial.

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“In the future, there will be no more juggling passports and bags at check-in and digging through pockets or smartphones to show your boarding pass – your face will be your passport and your boarding pass at every step of the process.”

Using the technology, passengers can be easily tracked through the terminal.

Qantas chief customer officer Vanessa Hudson said the airline was focused on increasing the use of technology to drive innovation for customers.

“Qantas customers will not only be able to check in for their flight using the technology, it is also available for our lounge staff who can create a more personalised experience when passengers arrive.”

During the current trial with Sydney Airport and Qantas, the Australian Government’s border processing procedures will remain intact and passengers will have to go through the current border processes.