Star Alliance and biometric technology firm NEC Corp. are developing a biometric-based identification platform through which passengers can use facial recognition rather than boarding passes and identification documents for check-in, bag drop-off, lounges and boarding. The platform will allow travelers who are members of one of the Star Alliance carriers' frequent-flier programs to enroll on their mobile devices and store their personal data on the platform, after which they can use biometrics at participating airports when flying on Star Alliance carriers. Security and immigration checkpoints still will have their own procedures. The alliance did not identify which airports will be participating but said the process will debut at one of its carriers' hubs by the first quarter of 2020.