Photos Show Delta Air Lines’ New Facial Recognition Technology
To quicken the curb-to-gate process at its hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration to create an all-new airport experience for domestic travelers.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
In November, Delta will roll out a one-of-a-kind facial recognition technology dedicated to domestic travel out of its Atlanta hub, building upon its biometric systems already in place for international passengers.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
The facial recognition program allows Delta's TSA PreCheck passengers to use a dedicated bag drop lobby, pass through the security checkpoint, and board their aircraft all using their "digital identity," allowing eligible travelers to move through the airport hands-free and device-free.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
The digital identity is made up of the passenger's SkyMiles member number, passport number, and Known Traveler Number, which is received after enrolling in TSA PreCheck.
David Tran Photo/Shutterstock
Source: Delta Air Lines
"We want to give our customers more time to enjoy travel by unlocking simplified, seamless, and efficient experiences from end to end," said Delta's vice president of brand experience design Byron Merritt. "The launch of Atlanta's express lobby and bag drop is the latest step in our commitment to listening and innovating for our customers."
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
The new facial recognition system starts at Delta's unique bag drop lobby, which is the first of its kind and set up with automated, self-serve bag drop machines. The lobby is located next to the ride-share drop-off area at the lower level of the Domestic South Terminal.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
To participate in the program, TSA PreCheck passengers must save their digital identity information to their profile and opt-in on the Fly Delta app when checking into their flight. This enables them to use any touchless facial-scan kiosk in the bag drop lobby.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
According to Delta, once a passenger looks at the camera, "their image is encrypted, stripped of biographic information and sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) facial biometric matching service via a secure channel."
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
Once the CBP verifies the traveler's identity, it will send a message back to the kiosk allowing the customer to continue. It will also print a bag tag for them to attach to their luggage.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
The traveler can then drop their bag on the conveyor belt. According to Delta, the process quickens the time it takes to check a bag by more than two minutes by allowing passengers to skip the line at the main check-in area.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
Passengers will use the dedicated TSA PreCheck line and maintain the benefits of the trusted traveler program, like keeping liquids and laptops in carry-on bags.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Delta Air Lines
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