Travelers at 14 U.S. airports may soon bypass the traditional ID checks using facial recognition technology, thanks to a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pilot program.
The TSA has launched a pilot program that allows passengers to opt for facial recognition instead of traditional identification methods at airport security checkpoints. Four major airlines—Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines—have joined the initiative, according to Aviation Week.
This summer marks the rollout of the program at 14 airports across the United States. To participate, passengers must have an active profile with their airline, be members of the TSA’s trusted traveler PreCheck program, and upload valid passport information to their airline’s profile.
Denver International Airport is the latest to implement the TSA’s “PreCheck Touchless ID program.” Here, eligible travelers can proceed through security checkpoints using only biometric facial recognition for identification, Aviation Week reported.
The TSA asserts that identity verification is essential to its risk-based approach to transportation security. The introduction of facial comparison technology is intended to enhance security measures, improve operational efficiency, and offer a better experience for travelers, all while maintaining strong privacy protections.
According to the TSA, the facial recognition technology’s purpose is to ensure the individual at the checkpoint matches the person shown on their identification documents. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive identification match, except in limited testing environments used for evaluating the technology’s effectiveness.
The TSA emphasizes that participation in the facial recognition program is voluntary. Travelers can choose to undergo facial verification by presenting either a physical ID or passport. Additionally, TSA is updating its CAT-2 screens with clear language informing travelers that they can decline to have their photo taken. There is also signage at the checkpoint to indicate the optional nature of the technology. Notably, travelers under the age of 18 will not be photographed.
The TSA states its commitment to grounding its exploration of facial recognition solutions in rigorous scientific study, aligning with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, and applying stringent safeguards for traveler privacy and convenience.
According to Aviation Week, the pilot program aims to streamline the identification process, offering a smooth experience for passengers who meet the program’s requirements. The gradual introduction across select airports seeks to evaluate its effectiveness and finetune the process before potentially broader implementation.