Facial recognition technology is being introduced at TSA checkpoints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to speed up the security screening process. New Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units are being used to verify the identity of travelers more quickly and accurately than human agents comparing a face to an ID. The CAT-2 units equipped with a camera capture a real-time photo of a traveler and compare it to the photo on their ID using facial matching technology. This technology goes beyond previous machines that simply scanned a traveler’s photo ID, confirmed their ticket, and detected counterfeit IDs. The biometric technology analyzes unique facial features, ensuring changes in appearance such as facial hair or weight fluctuations do not affect the match.
Photos captured by the CAT-2 units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Travelers have the option to opt-out of the process and choose an alternative ID verification method. In 2021, the Port of Seattle Commission banned the use of biometric technology for surveillance and security purposes by government and law enforcement on all its properties, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. However, voluntary facial recognition systems are still permitted. The use of facial recognition technology and biometrics for air travel is becoming more widespread in the United States.
More U.S. airports are adopting facial recognition technology, and experts believe it will become a common feature throughout the entire airport journey. Airlines like Alaska Airlines and Delta are taking steps to implement their own facial recognition programs to streamline various processes. Alaska Airlines is transitioning to automated bag drops that use facial recognition to identify passengers and streamline the bag-drop process. Delta is running a Digital ID pilot program at four airports where facial matching allows some travelers to use dedicated bag drop and security lines without showing ID or boarding passes. TSA officers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are currently being trained to use the CAT-2 machines, and travelers can expect to see these units in use more frequently in the coming weeks.
Overall, facial recognition technology is being implemented at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the security screening process. The CAT-2 units use advanced facial matching technology to compare a traveler’s real-time photo with the photo on their ID, enhancing identity verification capabilities. While the technology is not used for any other purpose besides immediate verification and travelers can opt-out, the use of facial recognition and biometrics in air travel is on the rise in the United States. Airlines are also implementing their own facial recognition programs to streamline various processes, leading to a future where facial recognition will be used throughout the entire airport journey.
