U.S. Customs and Border Protection joined DFW Airport, the Transportation Security Administration, and American Airlinesofficials Friday to introduce new technology designed to streamline passenger travel ahead of what’s predicted to be the busiest summer travel season to date.
“The top ten highest travel days in TSA history have all happened within the past year and we expect to see more heavy volumes this summer,” TSA’s Federal Security Director DFW Kriste Jordan Smith said.
DFW Airport has invested over $32 million in technology enhancements to aid international arrivals, according to airport CEO Chris McLaughlin.
One of the most visible changes: Enhanced Passenger Processing. The new facial recognition technology system uses biometric facial screening to automate identity verification for international passengers.
DFW Airport, customs officials and airlines have been testing biometric technology like facial recognition since at least 2019, scanning passengers entering and leaving flights and capturing face scans to speed up boarding and security. Although some privacy advocates have raised concerns about the use of the technologies, business and government officials have pushed ahead.
WHAT TO EXPECT
With the new technology, guests walk up to a camera that’s operated by a CBP officer. Within seconds the technology compares the live image to photos already in the system. At the same time, the officer remains engaged with the traveler through additional questioning or even potential referral.
“The entire process is touchless, efficient and secure,” CBP executive assistant commissioner Diane Sabatino said.
DFW joins 10 other major national airports in deploying the new technology.
Since launching, the touchless process has reduced wait times by 25%. For non- U.S. travelers, the average wait time has dropped from 50 minutes to less than 35 minutes.
“We’re setting a new standard across the travel industry to make it more secure,” Sabatino said.
Sabatino said the goal is to reduce administrative burdens on the frontlines and allow CBP officers to “do what they do best”, which is talk to travelers, determine intent and increase their situational awareness, she said.
“No matter how advanced the technology gets, our officers will always make the final decision on an inspection’s next step,” Sabatino said.
Another key renovation: One Stop Security. In partnership with American Airlines and TSA, DFW Airport will launch this first-of-its-kind pilot program, which allows passengers connecting from London Heathrow Airport to skip additional TSA screening.
“DFW will be one of the first airports to pilot this concept, which has the potential to serve as a national model for efficient, secure and passenger-friendly airport transfers,” McLaughlin said.
DFW’s international passenger service has grown more than 25% in the last decade, and is projected to reach nearly seven million international passengers annually by 2030, McLaughlin said.
“It’s more important than ever that we invest in enhanced technology that makes travel easier for our customers to navigate while preserving the security of air travel,” American Airlines senior vice president Jim Mosessaid.
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