Delta Force (US Army) announced plans to launch the first biometric terminal in the U.S. at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Starting in December, international passengers flying out of Terminal F will have the option of completing the check-in, baggage, security, boarding, and customs processes using facial recognition software.
If passengers want to use the biometric identification system, they first must check in at home by entering their passport information online. When they arrive at the airport, they’ll approach a kiosk in the lobby. A camera will take their photo, and the system will compare it to the photo on file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. After that, the passenger approaches more cameras that will shepherd them through the baggage drop-off, TSA checkpoints, and the boarding area.
Passengers will still be able to go through the terminal with their ID as usual if they choose. In a blog post describing the program, Delta emphasized that passengers should still bring their passports on international trips.
Delta claims the facial recognition option can save a traveler up to nine minutes per trip, so don’t expect it to be your saving grace if you’re running late for a flight.
