Biometric Face Verification: Eurostar’s Innovative SmartCheck System

Following a successful trial last year, the high-speed rail announced on Tuesday (18th July) that all Business Premier and Carte Blanche holders will now be able to breeze through the security checks by submitting their documentation on the SmartCheck app prior to flying.

Executive director Gwendoline Cazenave claims the new check-in system will help Eurostar “increase capacity in stations and simplify the passengers’ flows.”

“By introducing SmartCheck, we become the first rail travel operator to adopt biometric face verification,” she added. “This innovation will enhance our customer departure journey, which is crucial to provide Eurostar’s unique travel experience.”

All security employees employed by Eurostar will receive a wage increase of between 8% and 17% as a result of a settlement the business reached with the union RMT on 13th July 2023.

Nevertheless, future strike action cannot be ruled out because Mitie contractor employees will vote between 11th July and 1st August regarding the termination of a colleague.