This Tech Could Make Airport Security Faster in 2025

Facial recognition machines are set up at the start of the security screening process, before you enter the line to put your carry-on through the CT scanner and your body through the full-body millimeter wave scanner. And here’s how it works: Instead of having a Transportation Security Officer manually handle your ID and compare it to your face, you scan your ID on the machine’s reader and stand still while the machine takes a photograph of you. The CAT-2 unit then accurately compares the photo on your ID to the one that was just taken. If the photos match, you’ll be let through to the next step of the security process and your photo will be deleted immediately from the machine.

Using a CAT-2 units does not mean you can leave your ID at home. You absolutely need to have your physical ID with you for air travel. The CAT-2 units are able to read passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses, but only select checkpoints can handle digital IDs for now.

Automating the process in hundreds of airport around the country will not only shorten security lines, but also make air travel is much safer by systematically stopping fraudulent ID holders and imposters in their tracks.

If you’d rather opt out of using facial recognition technology, you can ask to go through the regular procedure of having a Transportation Security Officer check your ID manually. You won’t lose your place in line, nor will you face any negative consequences because of it. However, know that facial recognition technology is not used for any other purpose than to verify your identity at the airport.

“Facial recognition technology is solely used to automate the current manual ID credential checking process and will not be used for surveillance or any law enforcement purpose. TSA uses facial recognition CAT-2 technology only to verify the identity of the traveler at the podium and make a determination for access into physical security screening,” the press release explains.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also uses facial recognition technology in hundreds of US airports to verify travelers who enter and exit the US, speeding up, and tightening the border crossing process.