Air New Zealand introduces smart passport service

Air New Zealand has launched a new mobile app that can tell travellers when it’s time to renew their passport. The new app will enable the user to scan and save their passport information, and the app then sends a timely reminder when it’s time to renew. The new app is available for passengers holding New Zealand, Australian, British and American passports.

Kayak introduces emoji travel searches

Kayak has started allowing its customers to search for travel using emojis. The site has initially introduced 10 searchable emoji-city combinations, with more planned. For example, the New York City emoji features the Statue of Liberty and there is a slot machine emoji for Las Vegas. Kayak is also now calling on travellers to vote on which city-emoji combinations to launch next.

Japan plans facial recognition at airports

The Japanese government has announced plans to introduce a new type of unmanned gates at major airports that incorporate facial recognition technology. The new gates will take approximately 15 seconds to photograph passengers and check their face against their passport. The system is scheduled to be introduced at Japan’s major international airports by the end of 2018.

MSC Cruises provides new “Port Info” service

MSC Cruises has created a new, complimentary “Port Info” service to provide its passengers with a central point of information for every destination and shore excursion. Port Info will offer personal, tailored information about what to see, where to eat and where to visit in port, as well as assistance with local transportation bookings and the ability to arrange private tours.