The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has initiated an alliance with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve the international arrival experience at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through the use of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP).
EPP, a system available to US citizens upon return to the country, is a secure biometric process that utilises face comparison technology to streamline the arrival process with camera-based detection.
EPP allows for full automation of the new Simplified Arrival (SA) process, enabling passengers to move quickly through border control and reducing processing time from 60 seconds to 10.
The system is hoped to reduce waiting times by up to 74%, as well as reduce flight connection losses to 76% on both United Airlines and American Airlines flights.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations, Chicago Field Office, said:CBP is dedicated to ensuring a safe and streamlined entry process for U.S. citizens, particularly around peak travel times such as Memorial Day.
Enhanced Passenger Processing and our collaboration with the CDA allow us to leverage new secure technology to enhance the traveler experience while staying true to our enforcement mandate.
The process is entirely contactless, with early use of the system set to be supported in person by stationed CBP officers offering assistance during screening. Any passenger wishing to opt out of the EPP process must notify an officer and utilise the standard entry process.
