The CAT technology is designed to enhance checkpoint screening capabilities. Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it started using a new credential authentication technology (CAT) at Billings International Airport (BIL) in Montana, US.

This new technology is designed to enhance checkpoint screening capabilities by confirming the validity of a passenger’s identification (ID), flight information, and flight status in near real-time.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The technology is said to minimise touchpoints by eliminating the need for travellers to hand over their electronic or physical boarding pass at the security checkpoint.

However, they are required to submit their ID to the TSA officer, who will insert it to the CAT unit for authentication.

The implementation of CAT units is expected to help TSA better identify fraudulent documents at the security checkpoint.

In a press statement, TSA said: “Use of the CAT eliminates the need for a traveller to physically give their photo identification to the TSA officer.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“It is critical that travellers have a REAL ID-compliant driver licenses or other acceptable form of identification by the October 1, 2021, REAL ID enforcement deadline. CAT units will not accept a state-issued driver license after that date if it is not REAL ID-compliant.”

A CAT unit, which is designed to verify different types of IDs, features a passport reader, an ID card reader, a federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, a stand and an ultraviolet light.

TSA noted that Billings International Airport is the only airport currently using CAT in Montana.

Recently, TSA started using a credential authentication technology at Albany International Airport.