Mobile and digital ID reshape global travel, IATA survey finds

The travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the adoption of digital identities. Recent findings from the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2025 Global Passenger Survey highlight these trends, indicating a shift towards more streamlined and efficient travel experiences. This article explores how mobile and digital IDs are reshaping global travel, based on the latest insights from the IATA survey.

The landscape of air travel is evolving rapidly, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing passenger experiences. The IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey reveals that travelers are increasingly managing their journeys through smartphones and digital identities, signaling a move towards a more digitalized travel environment. This shift promises to redefine traditional travel processes, offering greater convenience and efficiency for passengers worldwide.

Mobile Devices: Central to the Modern Travel Experience

Smartphones have become indispensable tools for travelers, facilitating various aspects of the journey. The IATA survey indicates that over half of travelers (54%) prefer to book flights directly through airline mobile apps, reflecting a significant shift from traditional booking methods. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger travelers, with 25% opting for mobile apps, suggesting a growing preference for digital channels in the booking process.

Payment methods are also evolving, with digital wallets gaining popularity. The survey shows a notable increase in the use of digital wallets, rising from 20% in 2024 to 28% in 2025. This shift indicates a growing trust in mobile payment solutions and a desire for more convenient transaction methods during travel.

Beyond booking and payments, smartphones are enhancing the overall travel experience. A significant 78% of passengers express interest in using their smartphones to manage various travel documents, including digital passports and loyalty cards. This integration suggests a move towards a more unified and efficient travel process, reducing the need for physical documents and streamlining airport procedures.

Biometric Identification: Accelerating Airport Processing

The adoption of biometric technologies is revolutionizing airport operations, leading to faster and more secure passenger processing. According to the IATA survey, 50% of travelers have utilized biometric systems at some point during their airport journey, with the highest usage rates at security checks (44%), exit immigration (41%), and entry immigration (35%). This widespread adoption underscores the growing acceptance and effectiveness of biometric solutions in enhancing travel efficiency.

Passenger satisfaction with biometric processes is notably high, with 85% reporting positive experiences. This satisfaction is crucial for the continued expansion of biometric systems, as it indicates a strong willingness among travelers to embrace these technologies for a more seamless journey.

Privacy concerns remain a consideration, with 42% of passengers expressing hesitance to share biometric information. However, a significant 74% of travelers are willing to share their biometric data if it means bypassing traditional checkpoints like passport control and boarding passes, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and privacy in the digital age.

Regional Variations in Digital Adoption

Regional differences play a significant role in the adoption of mobile and digital ID technologies. In Africa, passengers often prefer personal interactions when booking, favoring airline offices or call centers. Despite this, they exhibit high satisfaction levels and a strong interest in simplifying travel processes, indicating potential for growth in digital adoption.

Asia-Pacific travelers are the most digitally savvy, leading in the use of mobile apps and digital wallets for booking and payments. They also show a high propensity for biometric usage, although their satisfaction with these systems is comparatively lower, suggesting a need for further refinement in user experience.

European passengers tend to be more traditional, preferring direct bookings through airline websites and credit card payments. They are less likely to have used biometric systems recently and exhibit more caution in sharing personal data, reflecting a more conservative approach to digital adoption.

Implications for the Future of Air Travel

The integration of mobile devices and digital identities into the travel experience offers numerous benefits, including enhanced convenience, efficiency, and security. The IATA’s One ID initiative exemplifies this shift, aiming to streamline passenger journeys through advanced sharing of information and contactless processes based on biometric-enabled identification. By obtaining necessary authorizations and demonstrating admissibility to travel prior to departure, passengers can be ‘Ready to Fly’ before arriving at the airport, reducing wait times and improving overall satisfaction.

However, the successful implementation of these technologies requires addressing challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and interoperability. Ensuring that digital identity systems are secure, inclusive, and user-friendly is essential for widespread adoption. Additionally, collaboration among airlines, airports, governments, and technology providers is crucial to establish standardized protocols and frameworks that facilitate seamless integration across the global travel ecosystem.

The findings from the IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey highlight a clear trend towards the digitalization of air travel, driven by the widespread use of mobile devices and the adoption of digital identities. These technologies are set to redefine the passenger experience, offering more personalized, efficient, and secure journeys. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing these digital solutions will be key to meeting the changing expectations of travelers and ensuring the future success of the global aviation sector.

In conclusion, the integration of mobile and digital ID technologies represents a significant advancement in the evolution of air travel. By leveraging these innovations, the industry can enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger satisfaction, and pave the way for a more connected and streamlined travel experience in the years to come.