US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has rolled out its Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology at Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 7.
The system, introduced in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), aims to speed up arrivals for US citizens returning from overseas.
The biometric technology uses facial comparison to verify identity and citizenship within seconds. Cameras operated by CBP officers capture a live image of the traveller, which is then checked against existing government records. The system simultaneously conducts law enforcement vetting and creates a crossing record.
According to CBP, the process reduces wait times by about 25 percent for US citizens. Officers remain on hand to assist passengers, take customs declarations, and answer questions. Travellers who do not wish to participate can request to use the standard entry procedure.
Andrew H. Douglas, CBP Acting Director of Los Angeles Field Office said:EPP is part of CBP’s Airport Modernization efforts at utilising a next-gen solution which creates efficiencies in processing, allowing the CBP officer to focus on traveller interaction The goal of Airport Modernization is to enhance national security and enforcement capabilities through an efficient and lawful travel experience, reducing the administrative burden on CBP officers.
Tom Bradley International Terminal is the busiest single terminal in the country for processing international arrivals, with CBP officers handling nearly 10.4 million passengers there in 2024. LAX is one of the first large-scale US airports to implement the new system.
The deployment forms part of LAWA’s wider modernisation programme, which includes terminal upgrades, transport links and digital solutions designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes. The airport plans to expand EPP to Terminal 2’s Federal Inspection Service area in the near future.
John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports said:This technology represents our shared commitment to enhancing both security and the passenger experience. As we prepare for world class events, innovations like EPP are critical to our readiness and demonstrate our commitment to 21st-century solutions for modern travellers.
