American Airlines is now using biometric boarding for passengers departing from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The airline is starting using the facial recognition system at its largest hub on select international departures from DFW Terminal D.
American plans to expand biometric boarding to nearly 75 international gates throughout Terminals A, B, C and D by the end of this year.
This is significant as American is the largest carrier at DFW and offers 91 daily international departures to 63 destinations worldwide.
Cedric Rockamore, Vice President of DFW Hub Operations at American:
American is committed to ensuring that DFW remains a premier gateway. As its largest hub, implementing new technology like biometric boarding gives us the opportunity to enhance the airport experience in partnership with CBP. This new technology allows us to provide a more seamless and modern experience for both our customers and team members.”
How it works
Instead of scanning boarding passes, the new one-step facial recognition program will scan and verify a customer’s identity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
When passengers begin the boarding process, the facial recognition program will scan an image of their face and send it to an existing cloud-based CBP database. The system then matches the image against the passport photo already on file with CBP, and, if it sends back a yes, the passenger is cleared to board.
Otherwise, the agent will manually clear the passenger using the regular clearance process.
Agents will continue to ensure passengers have their passports with them before departing. Americans can choose not to use the new system and board with their regular boarding pass, but foreigners must use the system.
American started trials of a biometric boarding program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December 2018. The carrier will continue evaluating the program and its potential expansion to more locations and flights throughout its global network.
Earler in 2019, Emirates started biometric boarding for passengers on its daily flight from Dallas Fort Worth to Dubai.
N.B. Image credit: American Airlines
