New technology that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification (ID) and confirms their flight information in real time is now in use at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
First-generation credential authentication technology (CAT) units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities, but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer verifies and the traveler can proceed through the checkpoint, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. The photo is then deleted.
The new units also have the capability to confirm whether a driver’s license is Real ID compliant. The Real ID enforcement date is May 7.
Keep up to date with TSA’s CAT-2 roll out here.