Dubai – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Star Alliance have strengthened their collaboration on travel compliance solutions with the adoption of Timatic AutoCheck. This next-generation travel documentation and verification system supports contactless travel for Star Alliance’s 26 member airlines.
Timatic AutoCheck provides a streamlined, interactive experience, allowing travelers, airlines, and travel professionals to easily access precise and clearly worded immigration information. The document-checking process is fully automated, offering tailored instructions for each passenger.
With passenger traffic expected to double by 2040, optimizing and enhancing airport processes remains crucial. Automating the verification of passengers’ travel documentation, one of the more time-consuming tasks, is essential for this transition. Star Alliance anticipates that over 340 million travelers’ documents will be checked annually through Timatic AutoCheck.
“Star Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience. Partnering with IATA for the Timatic AutoCheck platform will not only boost operational efficiency for our member airlines but also significantly improve the customers’ airport experience. As travelers increasingly prioritize seamless journeys with minimal hassle, our adoption of the Timatic platform is a significant step in the right direction,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, remarked, “Timatic AutoCheck represents a 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 continues to trust IATA Timatic for document compliance checks.”
IATA’s latest Global Passenger Survey (GPS) revealed that complex visa requirements deter many travelers who prefer a convenient, digital online visa process. The survey highlighted that:
36% of travelers have been discouraged from traveling to a destination due to immigration requirements.
Process complexity was the main deterrent for 49% of travelers, followed by costs (19%) and privacy concerns (8%).
66% of travelers prefer obtaining a visa online prior to travel, while 20% prefer visiting a consulate or embassy, and 14% at the airport.
87% of travelers are willing to share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, up from 83% in 2022.
Walsh added, “By leveraging travelers’ willingness to use online processes and share information in advance, Timatic AutoCheck provides airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems, and travel agents with a customer-friendly online solution to ensure compliance with all immigration requirements before heading to the airport.”