TSA testing fingerprint check-in in Denver and Atlanta
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing new checkpoint screening technology that could mean the end of the boarding pass in airports in Atlanta and Denver.
The technology allows a traveler's fingerprints to serve as a boarding pass and an identity document, in the place of a passport.
It works by matching a traveler's fingerprints to those that have previously been provided to the TSA by travelers who have enrolled in the TSA Pre program - an expedited security screening program.
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The TSA technology allows a traveler's fingerprints to serve as a boarding pass and an identity document, in the place of a passport
The test is being conducted as a proof of concept demonstration to evaluate the operational and security impact of using biometrics in the form of fingerprints to identify passengers.
The technology is being tested Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - the world's busiest airport - and Denver International Airport, starting this week.
At the moment, the technology works on the basis of matching passenger fingerprints to those previously registered when passengers enroll in the TSA Pre program which expedites security screenings.
The TSA Pre program allows members to go through security screenings without having to remove their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts and light jackets.
Once the technology finds a fingerprint match, it's able to retrieve the passenger's boarding pass information through Secure Flight - a risk-based passenger prescreening program.
According to the TSA, Secure Flight is designed to enhance security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists.
HOW IT WORKS One of the TSA's fingerprint scanners The TSA's fingerprint check-in technology is currently being tested in a pilot study at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Denver International Airport. The technology allows a traveler's fingerprints to serve as a boarding pass and an identity document, in the place of a passport. At the moment, the technology works on the basis of matching passenger fingerprints to those previously registered when passengers enroll in the TSA Pre program which expedites security screenings. During this proof of concept, data collection phase, passengers using designated TSA Pre lanes can volunteer to present their fingerprints on a contact or contactless fingerprint scanning unit.
Participation in the fingerprint check-in program is voluntary, and all passengers who chose to participate will then have to present their boarding pass and identification document, as the technology is still at the proof of concept stage.
In a statement about the technology, TSA acting Assistant Administrator Steve Karoly said: 'TSA looks at technologies and intelligence capabilities that allow us to analyze and secure the travel environment, passengers and their property.
'Through these and other technology demonstrations, we are looking to reinvent and enhance security effectiveness to meet the evolving threat and ensure that passengers get to their destinations safely.'
According to the TSA, in the long term the technology has the potential to automate the travel document checking process by eliminating the need for a boarding pass and identity document, and providing or denying access to security check via an electronic gate.
During this proof of concept, data collection phase, passengers using designated TSA Pre lanes can volunteer to present their fingerprints on a contact or contactless fingerprint scanning unit.
TSA Pre members who haven't previously provided their fingerprints are also able to test the system as it provides important information for the proof of concept study.
According to the TSA, they will analyze the data collected during the pilot study for potential implementation at other US airports in the future.