The TSA is constantly looking at ways to streamline and strengthen their security process. TSA PreCheck undoubtedly came out of that mindset, and overall, it works well – passengers are pre-vetted and believed to be “safe” (TSA’s goal) and get to go through a faster line (PAX goal). However thanks to technology, TSA believes even more can be done.
Since 2020, the TSA has been piloting a self-service option at the security checkpoint. When it was originally introduced, in the early days of the pandemic, the technology was hailed as “touchless” technology that could that match a traveler’s live photo with the photo on their ID.
That pilot in 2020, which was only at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) at the time, has now expanded to 25 airports:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
- Honolulu Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
At this time, there are only a few hundred of the self-service units. So they’re only at some, not all of the security checkpoints of the above airports.
How it works
Travelers are asked insert their ID into the machine (or scan their passport) at the Travel Document Checker podium. They’re then directed to look at the screen, where their photo is taken. The technology then proceeds to compare the picture on the ID against the photo of the passenger at the podium. It also confirms the passenger’s flight details and the type of screening they’re is eligible for (TSA PreCheck vs. regular).
So it replaces the need for the TSA agent to check your ID or boarding pass.
From there, travelers can continue on to the conveyor belt to go through the scanner (here’s what TSA agents see on body scanners nowadays), and have their belongings screened (these are 2 things PAX tend to overlook before screening).
For those concerned about personal security, the TSA says that the captured photos are never stored or used for any other purpose than identity verification at the time of going through the checkpoint. However passengers who would rather not have their photo taken are allowed to opt out and have their ID verified manually by a TSA agent (there will be one standing next to the podium), the same as always.
Our experience with this technology
I went through one of the new checkpoints at DCA a couple of months ago and it was pretty painless. I put my driver’s license in the designated slot, looked at the camera, took my license back when directed, and was told I was OK to go.
I don’t think the process saved or took any extra time compared to a traditional, manual check (if so, it would have been just a second or two), but I wonder how many people have put their ID in the wrong way, or didn’t understand what to do, or wound up leaving their driver’s license behind (unless the TSA officer can tell if it’s still inserted? I don’t know). That could make more even more “extra seconds” at the checkpoint. Per person. But for my experience, it was fine.
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2 comments
To clarify, (at this time) this is NOT self-service. Passengers are still required to be given a thumbs up by TSA agents before proceeding through to security screening. If issues arise, fallbacks are in place requiring manual intervention.
Technically, I guess you’re right. But it’s “more” self service than handing your ID to a TSAO.