TSA testing fingerprint identification technology for more-efficient passenger travel

Beginning this week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be assessing new checkpoint screening technology at a designated TSA PreCheck lane at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

The assessment is part of a proof-of-concept demonstration to evaluate both the operational and security-related impacts of using biometric data to verify a passenger’s identity using a fingerprint. Under the new system, a passenger’s fingerprint could serve as both their boarding pass and identity document by matching each print to a corresponding TSA PreCheck profile.

Once a passenger is identified from the PreCheck system, it is able to obtain the passenger’s boarding pass information through the risk-based passenger prescreening program, Secure Flight.

According to TSA, the technology has the long-term potential to automate the travel document checking process by eliminating the need for boarding passes and identity documents.

The agency said the program is completely voluntary and each passenger that chooses to participate will be subject to the standard ticket document checking process of showing a boarding pass and identifying documents.

“TSA looks at technologies and intelligence capabilities that allow us to analyze and secure the travel environment, passengers and their property,” Steve Karoly, TSA acting administrator of the Office of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis, said. “Through these and other technology demonstrations, we are looking to reinvent and enhance security effectiveness to meet the evolving threat and ensure that passengers get to their destinations safely.”