At Pittsburgh International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced the latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which verifies the validity of a traveler’s identification and flight details in real-time. This technology is designed to ensure the identity of passengers and confirm their flight status for the day.
After handing over their driver’s license, travelers are asked to stand to the left and look at a camera. Within a second, CAT-2 confirms a match and allows them to proceed without showing a boarding pass. The photo taken is then deleted to protect privacy.
Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the airport, emphasized that this technology aims to enhance security and streamline the travel experience for passengers. The CAT-2 units are capable of authenticating various types of IDs, including passports, driver’s licenses, and military access cards.
Despite the deletion of photos, travelers uncomfortable with the process have the option to opt-out and undergo an alternative identity verification process. This new technology is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and improve passenger experience at Pittsburgh International Airport.