Pittsburgh International Airport has recently introduced the new facial recognition technology to verify the validity of travelers’ identification and flight details in real-time. This latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scans a traveler’s photo ID, confirms their identity and flight information, and captures a real-time photo using a camera.
Once a match is confirmed by CAT-2, the TSA officer can verify it, and the traveler can continue without showing a boarding pass. The photo taken is then deleted to protect privacy. This process enhances the detection of fraudulent IDs and increases efficiency in identifying passengers.
Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the airport, emphasized that the technology aims to ensure the identity of passengers and confirm their flight status for the day. The CAT-2 units are capable of authenticating various types of IDs, including passports, driver’s licenses, and military access cards.
Despite concerns about privacy, travelers have the option to opt-out and undergo an alternative identity verification process. This new technology at Pittsburgh International Airport is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and streamline the travel experience for passengers.