It may seem crazy, but boarding passes might soon become a thing of the past. Airlines around the world are experimenting with facial recognition software and biometric data. Most notably, Dutch carrier KLM has recently begun testing a new biometric boarding technology at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The system uses facial recognition software to allow travelers to go through the gate without having to show any documents. Travelers first need to scan their passports and boarding passes and then have their photos taken at a designated kiosk. When it’s time for boarding, travelers can proceed through the biometric eGate without having to reproduce any travel documents.

Other airlines, including British Airways and Air New Zealand, have also begun experimenting with similar biometric scanners. At London Heathrow, BA is using biometric points to match facial scans taken when travelers go through security with scans taken at the gate prior to boarding. Likewise, Air New Zealand recently started a test program at Brisbane Airport where travelers can use a kiosk at check-in to take biometric photos, and then when ready to board, a new photo is used to match identity. While the programs are currently being used on a small-scale, successful testing could eventually lead to a new way of boarding flights around the world.