More facial recognition at DFW Airport
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This summer is expected to be the busiest summer yet at U.S. airports, and DFW Airport is relying on facial recognition software to cut wait times for international arrivals.
Why it matters: Customs and Border Patrol officials say the software will cut the time that travelers spend in screening after they arrive at DFW Airport from abroad.
The big picture: Biometric technology could be the future of air travel, from baggage check to boarding.
State of play: Dozens of international flights arrive at DFW Airport daily. Flights arriving around the same time sometimes lead to long lines at the International Customs and Border Patrol area.
- Customs and Border agents at DFW Airport will use facial recognition technology to process international arrivals, joining 10 other major U.S. airports.
- Travelers will look into a camera operated by an officer, who can choose to ask more questions or refer the traveler for additional screening, per the DMN.
🇬🇧 The intrigue: American Airlines is also piloting a program that allows passengers from DFW Airport to skip London Heathrow Airport's re-screening when connecting to another city.
Follow the money: DFW Airport has spent over $32 million on technology improvements for international travelers, per the DMN.
Zoom out: American Airlines started testing biometric technology in 2020 to help travelers drop their bags without having to show their physical ID.
- American, Emirates and several other airlines also use facial recognition for boarding international flights. The technology verifies each traveler's identity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before they board their plane.
How it works: Facial recognition technology used by the federal government typically uses photos that were previously taken for passports, visas or other government documentation.
Yes, but: A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate last month would prohibit entities from storing or sharing data collected during facial recognition screening.
- The bill would also mandate that travelers are allowed to opt into the technology, without facing "discriminatory treatment" if they opt out.
Pro tip: Global Entry is a great option if you want to speed up the screening process when returning to the U.S.