TSA announced it is using new credential verification technology at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
A new authentication technology, CAT-2, is the latest generation of CAT units that verify the identity of travelers. This new technology is said to have exactly the same functionality as the first generation unit, although it has a camera that captures the traveler's face. It is designed to scan travelers' photo IDs to verify their identity and flight details.
TSA says the new units include touchless tablets with cameras that compare travelers' face-to-face photos with photo IDs without having to exchange boarding passes.
According to a press release, travelers will be able to insert their photo ID into the CAT-2 unit instead of handing it over to a TSA officer, speeding up the process.
“Verifying the identity of all travelers before they board a flight is a critical step in the security screening process,” said TSA U.S. Security Service Director for Upstate New York Bert R. Johnson. “This technology provides enhanced detection to identify fraudulent identification documents, such as driver's licenses and passports, at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automating passenger identity verification. We want to be sure you are who you say you are.”
Once the unit matches the photo ID with the traveler's personal photo, the passenger is allowed to pass through the checkpoint. The direct photo will only be used for comparison with the traveler's photo ID and will be removed from her CAT-2 unit immediately thereafter.
The announcement comes as the TSA prepares for what is expected to be a record high number of passengers at airport security checkpoints across the country during this summer travel season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. TSA expects the busiest travel day of the Memorial Day weekend to be Friday, May 24, when the number of passengers is expected to be about 3 million.
The TSA says that even with this new technology, passengers will still need to check in with their airline before boarding a flight and bring their boarding pass with them to the gate to present.
— Madison Scott is a reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, where she also edits and reports on our Weld Street Project. She is interested in how the system is helping, or not helping, families with missing loved ones. Contact her at MDScott@gannett.com.
