Denver International Airport (DEN) has introduced biometric facial recognition technology at 15 gates in Concourses A and C to enhance the boarding process for international flights.
The biometric system operates by comparing travellers’ biometrics to existing images stored in US government databases, such as passport and visa photos.
This new system allows airlines to streamline boarding, making it more efficient and secure. The implementation also aligns with federal initiatives to improve air travel security.
Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport said:Our investment in this state-of-the-art technology underscores our strong commitment to supporting our airline partners and aligns with federal initiatives to advance secure and efficient air travel. The system matches travellers’ biometrics with stored biometric information within seconds.
How it Works
When passengers board international flights, they will pause for a photo at the departure gate. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Biometric Exit process compares this new photo to existing high-quality images in its database.
This system eliminates the need for passengers to present their passports or boarding passes at the gate. Airlines can also use biometric devices to verify passenger lists, further simplifying the boarding process.
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, Diane J. Sabatino said:CBP is excited to partner with Denver International Airport on the expansion of facial biometrics to further secure and enhance travel while protecting the privacy of all travellers. Public-private partnerships are the best way to fulfill the Congressional mandate while strengthening security and enhancing the travel experience.
The images taken during boarding are used exclusively for real-time verification and are immediately deleted after the process. No photos are retained by airlines.
Privacy and Opt-Out Options
CBP has prioritised privacy and security in the development of the biometric exit process.
To address privacy concerns, photos of U.S. citizens will be deleted within 12 hours, while photos of foreign nationals, who are required to provide biometrics, will be stored securely by the Department of Homeland Security.
Passengers who prefer not to participate in the biometric process can opt out by notifying an airline official or CBP officer. These individuals will need to present their travel documents to gate agents.
The Biometric Exit Mandate
Denver International Airport’s adoption of this technology supports CBP’s congressional mandate for biometric passenger screening on departing international flights.
The Biometric Exit system is designed to automate the manual document checks required for international departures from US airports, making the process quicker and more secure.
