Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) partners recently launched a set of two programmes that aim to make it easier and faster for travellers to move through security and international arrivals.
Touchless TSA PreCheck launched at the airport in December, and was closely followed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system, which was introduced in January.
Utilising facial comparison and biometric technology; EPP aims to offer US citizens a hands-free experience when arriving from international locations. Once they reach the CBP inspection area, a camera captures their photo and matches it to images CBP already has on file, such as a passport photo, before the system confirms identity, runs security checks and creates a travel record.
Those who do not wish to take part in the use of EPP, which is now in use at 15 airports across the country, can make a CBP officer aware and go through the standard inspection process instead.
Airport Operations Superintendent Steven Belton said:By implementing enhanced passenger processing systems, PHL aims to improve efficiency and guests’ overall travel experience.
We have capacity for six EPP stations, which CBP manages depending on passenger load need. This will allow PHL to handle the growing passenger volumes more effectively during the events being held in 2026 and beyond. The improvements will also enhance safety, minimise congestion, and support a more seamless connection for international travellers.
Implementation required a close working relationship between the Department of Aviation’s Information Technology team and CBP, and necessitated the installation of new upgrades to Wi-Fi, technology, and airport infrastructure.
Elsewhere, the introduction of TSA PreCheck has also allowed travellers to take advantage of new touchless technology when passing through the security checkpoints for Terminals A-West, A-East, C, D/E and F.
PreCheck Touchless ID aims to allow enable swift trips through security quicker without the need to show a boarding pass or ID via the use of facial comparison technology.
When eligible TSA PreCheck passengers check in for their flights, they are given the option to use Touchless ID, which allows them to skip the ID verification step. Then, upon arrival at PHL’s Touchless ID line, the passenger will need to have their picture taken and once approved, they can proceed to the screening area. Currently, Touchless ID is only available for passengers flying on American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska airlines.
Lakshman Amaranayaka, Vice President of American Airlines’ PHL Operations, said:American Airlines is committed to enhancing every aspect of the customer experience at PHL as we continuously find new ways to streamline the travel journey and offer customers a hands-free process from the start.
We're extremely thankful for our strong partnerships with the Philadelphia Department of Aviation, TSA, and CBP. Together we're working to make security checkpoints faster with Touchless ID and continuing to streamline the arrival process with EPP. Each of these new technologies are making a difference to create a more enjoyable travel experience.
