Checkport, a subsidiary of Swissport, has unveiled MatchBox, a digital application designed for comprehensive document verification during passengers’ online check-in process. It ensures passengers are in possession of all required travel documents, including valid passports, visas or other permits, before boarding passes are issued. In this way, passengers still have time to organize and submit missing documents within a 24-hour window between the opening of online check-in and departure.
Each year, airlines worldwide face over $200 million (USD) in fines for transporting passengers without valid entry documents, who are then denied entry and cause high repatriation costs. By preventing inadmissible passengers (INAD) before they even board their flights, MatchBox optimizes the online check-in and boarding processes and enhances overall departure punctuality, saving airlines millions for financial penalties.
"MatchBox is a groundbreaking digital solution that leverages technology to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and addresses a challenge the airline industry has battled with for many years," says Daniel Steffen, CEO of Checkport Switzerland AG. "With MatchBox we can help airlines avoid fines and improve their departure punctuality. It is a pivotal transformation of online document checking. Our full trust in the MatchBox system is underscored by Checkport’ s commitment to assume 100 percent of fines resulting from unintended INAD cases.”
"Our solution not only prevents INAD violations, but also offers time savings during check-in and passenger boarding," adds Albano da Cunha, head of operations at Checkport. "The seamless integration with airlines' online check-in processes, MatchBox enhances both the passenger experience and operational efficiency."
Before formally launching MatchBox, Checkport tested the system with several airlines in realistic operational conditions. Those who evaluated MatchBox for nearly a year affirm its reliability and effectiveness.
