Airport security has undergone so many changes in such a short period of time that it can be hard to keep up.
There have been several changes implemented by the Travel Security Administration (TSA) in recent months and years. From introducing more limitations like the REAL ID requirement to easing back other staunch rules like needing to take your shoes off when going through security — the airport experience has changed. The most noticeable change, however, has come in the form of facial recognition technology.
TSA has installed facial recognition technology at many airports across the country in an effort to improve efficiency while maintaining foolproof security checks. Let me explain…
These face scans verify passengers’ identity by comparing a live image to the photo on their physical ID, passport, or other goverment-issued identification. This process helps TSA agents double check each passenger to confirm identity — not unlike the facial technology used at Disneyland.
The system also allows screening officers more flexibility that ultimate helps speed up the security process. Gone are the days of needing to dig out and hand over your boarding pass.
Ultimately though, facial recognition is another layer of security, and that’s why it exists. Speeding up the process is simply an added bonus.
It’s also important to note that facial recognition tech is OPTIONAL, so even if you don’t see a sign, YOU DON’T HAVE TO OPT-IN and use it. Make sure you’re always carrying your ID with you and ask a TSA agent for further assistance if you wish to avoid using this technology due to privacy concerns or other reasons.
Have you used facial recognition technology during your latest airport visits? Share your experiences in the comments below and continue to follow us here at AllEars for more travel updates and tips!
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What are your thoughts on the latest TSA changes? Let us know in the comments!
Why not use fingerprints instead? All criminal records are associated to the person/criminal via fingerprints.
TSA has always used facial recognition. The agent compared your face to the image on your photo ID. However, while people are excellent at recognizing people that they know, they are not very good at comparing strangers to their photos; this an error prone process and errors are not detected or recorded. While computers have only recently become as good at facial recognition as children, they are now better than TSA agents. Moreover, they leave a record and are checked.