TSA is on a roll lately, developing new luggage guidelines, REAL ID requirements and updating their security checks. Since they have made REAL ID mandatory, it’s important to streamline the security check process. Till the time people have the ID, they may choose to bring the ID alternatives and go through additional security checks.
So it makes sense that they are adding technological updates to streamline the process. Recent flyers have noticed that there has been a new tech employed to verify their identity. This new technology does not just check the identity but can also match the flyer’s flight details. This can be done with a real time photo of the traveler.
The technology is based on the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which is already a part of the TSA checks. But now the updated system is being called at CAT-2. The new update has a camera that lets agents capture a photo of the traveler. This is then used to cross-identify the identity and other details.
New technology continues to be a major priority for TSA. Here are just a few examples of technologies that are changing the way we do business: 1)Computed Tomography (CT) 2)Enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) 3)Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)” #TSA #technology pic.twitter.com/OJ8ok2P21z
— Eliana Gómez (@Eegomez77) October 19, 2020
Currently, this tech is part of the Lehigh Valley International Airport and will eventually be added to more airports to make the boarding process easier for everyone. With recent updates, flyers are already under stress and are choosing to travel only if needed. There is chaos in the airports over IDs being rejected or TSA’s dismissing the travelers even when they have alternative IDs. Thus, adding new tech that helps to make the screening process a bit easier is welcome.
This technology is great at checking IDs to see if they are fake, as reported by Men’s Journal. For instance, some people bring in fake driver’s licenses so that this technology can alarm the system instantly. Moreover, it won’t allow people with fake passports at checkpoints. The officials are only keen on enhancing security and ensuring that the right identity is proven. Their goal is to make the process quick and keep everyone safe.
The system will flag any inconsistencies in the IDs if people carry fake travel documents. It’s also important to note, as a traveler, that you carry the right IDs to ensure you don’t miss your flight. In some cases, state IDs have been rejected, making it crucial to carry a passport even for domestic flights.
#REALID enforcement starts tomorrow, and NH DMV redesigned driver’s licenses are good to go with TSA’s credential authentication technology (CAT) machines at MHT TSA checkpoints. Wait times are currently 5 minutes or less! #FlyMHT pic.twitter.com/C1Dqyh9otN
— Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (@flymanchester) May 6, 2025
The modernization of security checks with CAT-2 is a great step towards ensuring a passenger’s identity. Moreover, people won’t have to wait for long in queues to get verified before flying. Soon you’ll find this facial recognition technology in all the airports.
We can say it is a critical advancement that will make air travel more secure for people. They just have to comply with the rules and regulations and get the right IDs. Meanwhile, TSA also gives passengers options in case they do not want their photo taken in real time. Some people have complained about the sensitive data being stored and used. So, it’s definitely an option to do the photo verification. You may have to go through additional security checks, but TSA assures you it won’t cause any delays in the flight.
