Airports And Temperature Checks: Are They Still Mandatory?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have been implementing new health and safety measures to limit the spread of the virus. One such measure is temperature screening, which can be carried out by a staff member with a handheld thermometer or via automated temperature check kiosks. While temperature checks cannot detect COVID-19, they can detect abnormal temperature readings, allowing potentially ill individuals to be separated from the general public.

Temperature screening at airport entrances

Temperature screening at airports can be carried out in a number of ways. Some airports have begun to carry out temperature checks with a handheld thermometer operated by a staff member. However, this method requires additional staff members, which can be costly, and it may put their health at risk. It can also cause queues, which is an issue as aviation grows and the number of air passengers is expected to double in the next twenty years.

To reduce wait times, some airports have introduced self-service technology, with automated temperature check kiosks. These kiosks are not medical devices and cannot detect if an individual has a virus, but they can help to quickly identify those with abnormal temperature readings. Infrared technology is also being used at some airports for temperature screening.

Handheld thermometers vs self-service technology

Temperature screening at airports is becoming increasingly common. While some airports use handheld thermometers operated by staff, others use self-service technology, such as automated temperature check kiosks.

Handheld thermometers have some advantages. They are operated by a staff member, who can respond to any queries or concerns. However, they also have some disadvantages. They require a member of staff to run the checks, which could put their health at risk, cause queues, and be costly.

Self-service technology, on the other hand, can reduce physical contact and wait times. This technology includes automated temperature check kiosks and self-service kiosks for self-check-in, baggage drop, and passport control. While these kiosks are not medical devices and cannot detect if an individual has a virus, they can detect abnormal temperature readings, which is key to limiting the spread of viruses.

Overall, both handheld thermometers and self-service technology have their advantages and disadvantages. Handheld thermometers may be more suitable for airports with fewer passengers, while self-service technology can help reduce wait times in larger airports.

Infrared technology

Airports are now using infrared technology to check passengers' temperatures. This is a new normal that is being implemented worldwide. Infrared cameras are used to scan passengers' temperatures as they enter the airport. This process is quick, taking only a few seconds, and helps to identify potentially ill individuals.

The use of infrared cameras for temperature screening offers several advantages over traditional handheld thermometers. Firstly, it is a contactless method of temperature screening, which reduces the risk of spreading germs. Secondly, it is a faster and more efficient way of checking temperatures, as it can scan multiple people at once and does not require a dedicated staff member to operate it. This helps to reduce wait times, which is crucial as air travel continues to grow and airports strive to maintain a good customer experience.

In addition to temperature screening, infrared technology is also being used in airports for other purposes. For example, some airports are testing biometric facial recognition to decrease physical contact during the check-in process. Heightened disinfection practices are also being implemented, with fog or UV disinfectors being used for bag sterilization. These measures work alongside temperature screening to create a safer and more hygienic airport environment.

Overall, the use of infrared technology in airports is an innovative development that helps to improve safety and efficiency. By quickly identifying potentially ill individuals and reducing physical contact, this technology plays a key role in limiting the spread of viruses and maintaining a positive travel experience for passengers. As the world adapts to new health challenges, we can expect to see further advancements and applications of infrared technology in airports and other public spaces.

Biometric facial recognition

Airports are increasingly implementing temperature screening to identify individuals who may be unwell. This is done through automated temperature check kiosks, which are self-service and contactless. The use of self-service technology in airports has grown largely over the last decade, with self-check-in, baggage drop, and passport control kiosks already in place.

The benefits of biometric facial recognition extend beyond convenience. This technology can enhance security by accurately identifying individuals and preventing identity fraud. It also enables more efficient data collection and analysis, allowing airports to optimise their operations and improve the overall travel experience.

While biometric facial recognition has been praised for its speed and accuracy, there are concerns about privacy and data protection. The collection and storage of biometric data raise questions about how this sensitive information will be protected and used. As with any new technology, there are also potential technical challenges and the risk of false positives or negatives, which could impact traveller experiences.

Overall, biometric facial recognition has the potential to revolutionise airport security and streamline the travel process. By reducing physical contact and enhancing efficiency, this technology can play a key role in adapting to new health and safety measures. However, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring the responsible use of biometric data will be crucial to gaining traveller trust and acceptance.

Disinfection practices

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing desire to implement temperature checks at airports to identify individuals who may be unwell. Temperature screening at airports is becoming the new normal. These temperature checks can be carried out by a staff member with a handheld thermometer, although this can be costly and put the staff member's health at risk. Self-service technology provides a better option, with automated temperature check kiosks.

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