The Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at Syracuse Hancock International Airport is using new technology that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification (ID) and confirms their flight information in near real time. Though travelers still need to check in with their airline in advance and bring their boarding pass to the gate agent, the TSA system allows agents to verify IDs through the new scanner without having to touch the ID card.

Passengers do not have to hand over their boarding pass (electronic or paper), thus reducing another touchpoint. The credential authentication technology (CAT) unit will verify that the traveler is prescreened to travel out of the airport for a flight that day; however, a boarding pass may be requested for travelers under the age of 18 and/or those with ID issues. 

The CAT units authenticate several thousand types of IDs including passports, military common access cards, retired military ID cards, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler ID cards, uniformed services ID cards, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas and driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments. 

This technology will enhance detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents at the security checkpoint.

“The technology we’ve now installed at the Syracuse International Airport checkpoint enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent ID such as driver’s licenses and passports at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification,” said Bart R. Johnson TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York. “The system also has the added capability of confirming the passenger’s flight status in near real time through a secured connection.”