The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is deploying the next generation of credential authentication technology (CAT) to verify the identity of travellers at Denver International Airport (DEN).
CAT units scan a traveller’s photo identification to confirm their identify and flight details.
In addition to these capabilities, the new CAT-2 units are equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the passenger and compares it to the identification photo.
Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer will confirm the verification and the traveler can proceed to security screening, without needing to hand over their boarding pass.
The CAT-2 units at DEN are also equipped with readers that allow travellers to use state-issued digital driver licences or digital identification cards for TSA verification. This aligns with the Colorado Department of Revenue’s announcement last week that state residents can now add their Colorado ID to Apple Wallet.
Consequently, any passenger who has a state-issued digital ID in their Apple Wallet can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on a CAT-2 digital reader rather than proving a physical photo ID.
TSA Federal Security Director for Colorado Larry Nau said:Identity verification of every traveler prior to flying is a key step in the security screening process. TSA embraces the use of this type of technology to enhance security and increase the efficiency of our operation. We are grateful for our partners locally who have been key in bringing this capability to DEN and for the investment TSA made in the security operations at DEN.
Five CAT-2 units with digital readers are currently in use at DEN in the the North Security Checkpoint.
These add to the 21 first-generation CAT units that are deployed at each of the three DEN security checkpoints.
