The high-speed rail announced on Tuesday (18 July) that – following a successful trial last year – all Business Premier and Carte Blanche holders will now be able to seamlessly pass through the security checks by uploading their documents on the SmartCheck app before travelling. 

According to chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave, the new check-in system will help Eurostar “increase capacity in stations and simplify the passengers’ flows.”

“By introducing SmartCheck, we become the first rail travel operator to adopt biometric face verification,” she added. “This innovation will enhance our customer departure journey, which is crucial to provide Eurostar’s unique travel experience.” 

The company has recently made the headlines as on Thursday (13 July) it secured a deal with the union RMT, which means that all security staff employed by Eurostar will get a pay rise of between 8% and 17%. 

Nevertheless, workers employed by contractor Mitie will be balloted between 11 July and 1 August over the dismissal of a colleague, meaning future strike action cannot be ruled out.