The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the US has introduced touchless, automated photo ID scanners at all its security screening checkpoints.
According to TSA, LAX is the first airport in the country to be completely equipped with this technology.
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TSA is now making use of credential authentication technology (CAT) at every security checkpoint in the airport.
At the travel document checking station, passengers will be required to hand over their ID to the security officer, who will confirm the authenticity of the document by inserting it into the scanner.
Instead of handing over their boarding passes, passengers will only have to hold them up for visual inspection by the security officer, thus reducing a touchpoint.
TSA LAX federal security director Boyd K Jeffries said: “The use of CAT reduces a touchpoint between traveller and TSA officer. This self-service option is just one of the many ways TSA is helping travellers ‘Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.’ during the screening experience without compromising security. We are extremely pleased that LAX is the first airport in the country to offer this fully automated feature.”
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By GlobalDataLos Angeles World Airports CEO Justin Erbacci said: “As the first large airport in the US to implement 100% use of touchless ID scanners at checkpoints, LAX is once again setting the bar for innovation, technology, and a seamless and healthy guest experience.
“We thank our partners at TSA for their strong leadership in bringing touchless credential checks to the whole of LAX, and working with us to leverage evolving technology that helps people travel safely and efficiently.”
Around 30 CAT units have been previously deployed at the airport by TSA.
During last week, 50 more units were installed, making LAX the first airport in the US to have CAT units in every lane of its security checkpoints.
The CAT unit will verify that the traveller is pre-screened to travel out of the airport for a flight that day using a secure Internet connection.
However, minor passengers below 18 are still required to produce a paper or e-boarding pass.
Furthermore, passengers will still have to check-in with their airline in advance and must bring their boarding pass to their gate agent before boarding their flight.
Presently, TSA has set up over 1,500 CAT units at around 125 airports throughout the US.
In addition, the technology increases capabilities for detecting fraudulent or tampered documents at the security checkpoint.
CAT units are capable of authenticating several thousand types of IDs, including US and foreign passports, permanent resident cards and US visas, driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments.
Besides the use of CAT, TSA has also installed 3-D X-ray scanners for the screening of carry-on luggage to enhance threat detection capabilities.
