Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the use of machine readable passport systems for inbound airport border security screening, from the perspective of the travelling public. Traditional stamped passports are increasingly being replaced by electronic documents, or e-passports, and associated screening technology. This reality has been examined from the users’ point-of-view. To investigate the use of e-passports, a survey was conducted on inbound international passengers arriving at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Use in terms of usage rate, usability, ease of use, time, and satisfaction were investigated. In terms of gender, there was no difference in the five categories. For age, there was a statistical significant difference in terms of usage rate and clearance times, between younger (16 to 44 year olds) and older (45+) passengers. That is, 16 to 44 year olds were more likely to use the technology, and as a result, took less time to clear customs. The direct relationship between these is apparent, the fact that more 45+ passengers did not use the system resulted in their longer clearance times. More interesting is the fact that those 45+ passengers that utilised the system reported it was as easy to use as 16 to 44 year olds, and were equally satisfied when using the system.
Highlights
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (International... 2008b) Document 9303 describes a biometric system as an automated system capable of five functions: 1. Capturing a biometric sample from the holder of a machine readable travel document (MRTD)
The respondents were inquired about their age, if they were over the age of 16, as this is the minimum age to use an e-passport and the SmartGate system
The results of this study found that passengers aged 16 to 44 and passengers aged 45+ were similar in their satisfaction as well as similar in perceptions of SmartGate’s ease of use
Summary
In the past decade the use of biometrics and e-passports at airport border security screening has become widespread throughout the airport industry. The aim of this research was to investigate how the use of biometrics and e-passports at inbound airport border security screening affects passenger satisfaction and perceptions, using the SmartGate at Melbourne Airport as a case study. Identity fraud and extreme acts of terrorism such as the September 11 attacks have forced airports to focus on the individuals In answer to this the airport industry and National Border Agencies have further developed this technology. This includes the use of biometric systems and e-passports both at inbound and outbound security checkpoints (Gkritza et al 2006; Graham 2008: 132). The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (International... 2008b) Document 9303 describes a biometric system as an automated system capable of five functions: 1. Capturing a biometric sample from the holder of a machine readable travel document (MRTD) (i.e. an e-passport)
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