Airports Adopt Facial Recognition Tech to Reduce Waiting Time

Some airports are reportedly adopting facial recognition technology to enhance security and limit the traffic for passengers.

Facial recognition was recently spotted at La Guardia Airport in Queens by Delta Air Lines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), wherein passengers were seen bypassing traditional ID checks.

Facial Recognition on Airports to Enhance Passenger Experience

In a New York Times report, it was detailed that passengers would walk one by one to an iPad kiosk and have their photos taken. A security officer was manning the station waiting for the passenger's image to match the government database.

After the short procedure, the passengers will be guided past security without having to present their physical ID or boarding pass to the airport personnel. Passengers who opted for the program but still prepared some identification were redirected to the kiosk.

According to the report, 2024 could be the "tipping point" for widespread adoption of biometrics in air travel, said travel industry analyst for Atmosphere research, Henry Harteveldt. In addition, the latest technology will potentially help reduce waiting times and stress for travelers.

Increase Biometrics on Air Travel Raise Concerns

However, the adoption of the technology is not warmly welcomed by experts. Although it could enhance security and lessen processing time for passengers, it also raises privacy and ethical concerns.

Dr. Morgan Klaus Scheuerman, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado, stated that there are several questions to be asked about the technology.

"How are the systems being trained and evaluated? Would opting out be considered a red flag? What if your documents don't match your current appearance?" the researcher asked.

The TSA has been experimenting with facial recognition technology since 2019. The screening verification is currently available at Denver and Los Angeles International airports, along with 30 other airports.

According to the agency, the photos taken are shortly deleted afterward. In addition, it is expected to be available at some 400 more airports in the following years.