Delta passengers can now check their bags by scanning their face

Delta passengers will soon be able to check their bags via a facial recognition scanner that uses biometric technology to match their passport photos to their face, Mashable reports. The new technology is the first of its kind in the U.S., and Delta hopes it will help both customers and airline agents save time during check-in.

Launch details: Delta has invested $600,000 in 4 biometric self-service bag drop machines, which will be placed in Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport this summer, but only one will include the facial recognition software. Delta will then collect customer feedback to determine how and when it will expand it other airports.

Privacy issues: As The Verge points out, privacy experts have urged government agencies and airlines to be cognizant of the risks involved when implementing this type of technology, "especially if it's found that they are cross-checking facial images with law enforcement databases without permission." Delta has insisted it will protect customer's privacy, and will not save anyone's information or images of their faces.