The Pittsburgh International Airport is stepping up its security game with the introduction of new technology that promises to increase efficiency at checkpoints and help agents identify fraudulent documents. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology, which is designed to scan a traveler’s photo ID, confirm their identity, and verify their flight details.
The new units are equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler, allowing the TSA to compare the photo on the ID with the in-person image. Once a match is confirmed, a TSA officer can verify the traveler’s identity without the need for them to exchange a boarding pass.
Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the airport, emphasized the importance of identity verification in the security screening process. She stated, “This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification. We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are.”
In addition to confirming the traveler’s identity, the system also verifies their flight status by ensuring they are ticketed to fly out of the airport on the same day. However, travelers are still required to check in with their airline and bring their boarding pass to the gate.
For those who prefer not to participate in the facial matching process, the TSA offers an alternative ID verification process. Overall, the new technology aims to streamline the security screening process and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers at the Pittsburgh International Airport.