Publications - ACRP Report 241: Toward a Touchless Airport Journey

Barich, Inc. producted this Report to idenfity solutions that would help reduce (1) necessary interactions between people, (2) interactions with surfaces, and (3) congestion of people. The final Report presents solutions from emerging and existing technologies to nontechnological solutions. For each solution, the current level of readiness, barriers to expect in implementation, and specific tips on getting started are detailed. Also explored are technology gaps and the need for medium- and long-term solutions with further development opportunities that could minimize touchpoints.

One interesting observation is that though this project was producted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports interviewed noted they were already moving toward touchless solutions; the pandemic simply accelerated their progress. These existing intiatives were focused on providing a more seamless airport journey, giving the passenger more control over their journey, and providing cleaner, more modern airport facilities.