The CAT-2 units are operational at five Montana airports including Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport. Credit: EQRoy/Shutterstock.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US has introduced the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units at five airports across Montana.  

Dubbed CAT-2, the new units are now operational at Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, Great Falls International Airport, Billings International Airport, Helena Regional Airport and Missoula International Airport. 

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The new technology is designed for verifying the travellers’ identity more efficiently at the time of security screening. 

The CAT-2 units possess all the capabilities of the first-generation models, CAT, and features a camera.  

This enhancement allows the units to compare the travellers’ photo on their ID against the real-time image with the help of facial matching technology.  

Upon confirming a match, TSA officers can quickly verify the individual’s identity, allowing the traveller to proceed to the security screening without the need for a boarding pass.  

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Officers also can conduct additional verification depending on the requirements in place. 

TSA Montana federal security director KC Wurtsbaugh said: “TSA continues to invest in technologies that streamline the process for travellers while enhancing security. We are pleased with the capabilities and performance of the CAT-2 units in the identity verification process. 

The deployment of CAT-2 units follows the successful use of first-generation units in the state, which have been instrumental in speeding up scanning travellers’ photo identification and confirming travel details, including TSA PreCheck eligibility.  

Previously, TSA officers verified the traveller’s identity visually against their photo ID. 

TSA assures that photos captured by any CAT unit are not stored and are solely used for immediate identity verification.  

Travellers can opt out of the facial matching process and undergo an alternative verification method.  

“Travellers departing any of the five airports in Montana where this technology is in use will see signage posted reminding them that participation in the facial matching process is optional,” Wurtsbaugh explained.