Facial recognition technology has made its way to Pittsburgh International Airport, similar to my experience at Boston Logan International Airport. TSA agents now ask travelers to step to the side and look at a camera after handing over their identification at security checkpoints. The system quickly verifies the match before allowing the traveler to proceed.
The Transportation Security Administration has introduced Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) at Pittsburgh International Airport. This technology validates a traveler’s identification and flight information in real time. It scans the traveler’s photo ID, confirms their identity and flight details, and takes a real-time photo for verification.
With CAT-2, travelers do not need to show a boarding pass as the system confirms the match and allows them to proceed. TSA officers then verify the match, and the photo is deleted. According to Karen Keys-Turner, federal security director for the airport, the technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs and increases efficiency in verifying a passenger’s identification.
The CAT-2 units at Pittsburgh International Airport can authenticate over 2,500 types of IDs, including passports, military access cards, DHS Trusted Traveler ID cards, resident cards, visas, and driver’s licenses issued by state motor vehicle departments. Travelers have the option to opt-out of the process if they are uncomfortable with it, and TSA will use an alternative verification process.
Overall, the introduction of facial recognition technology at Pittsburgh International Airport aims to enhance security measures and streamline the identification process for travelers.