U.S. Airports Accelerate Biometric Tech for Seamless Travel

U.S. airports are rapidly advancing biometric technology to offer travelers touchless, streamlined journeys. Industry leaders discussed the growing adoption of self-sovereign identity (SSID) and facial recognition at The Phocuswright Conference.

Idemia North America CEO Donnie Scott predicts that some airports will implement hands-free travel for TSA PreCheck passengers within five years. The technology enables identity verification through facial recognition or mobile IDs at bag drop, security checkpoints, and boarding gates, eliminating physical document checks.

Global Entry members already experience touchless re-entry through photo-based passport verification. TSA’s Touchless Identity Solution, currently available at nine airports, has served six million travelers since its 2021 launch. TSA identity manager Jason Lim noted that biometric screening takes just eight seconds per passenger, compared to 20 seconds manually.

Alaska Airlines is among the pioneers, planning to introduce biometric bag drop in Portland and Seattle, alongside mobile ID verification via Apple and Google Wallets. By 2027, the airline aims to offer passengers the choice of using facial recognition or mobile IDs at all touchpoints.

Despite privacy concerns, public support is strong. A U.S. Travel Association survey found 79% of air travelers favor biometric technology at TSA checkpoints. However, funding constraints and political opposition pose challenges, with Congress diverting a portion of TSA’s Passenger Security Fee since 2013.

Key airports investing in biometric upgrades include Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York’s JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Industry leaders remain optimistic about the potential of biometrics to simplify and secure air travel.

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U.S. Airports Accelerate Biometric Tech for Seamless Travel

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