The new authentication technology uses a camera to match photo ID and verify flight information.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Travelers heading into Harrisburg International Airport will encounter new technology as they go through security.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials on Thursday unveiled a new Certification and Authentication Technology (CAT) system at security checkpoints, a new device that can more accurately track identities in real time.
“These devices are so sophisticated they can detect things that are invisible to the naked eye,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. “Someone might be trying to create a fake ID, so the writing might be off by even a few millimeters.”
Travelers present their identification to a TSA officer and stand in front of the officer’s camera to have their photograph taken, which verifies the traveler’s identity and flight information without exchanging a boarding pass.
TSA officials say the technology provides an extra layer of security and travelers note it will make check-in easier.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” says John Grainger. “Just plug it in, take it out and use it.”
Grainger, who flies frequently to visit friends and family around the country, said he has already experienced the CAT system at other airports. To date, there are more than 800 CAT units deployed at U.S. airports.
He said it would make travel less of a hassle because people would spend less time waiting in line.
“I was clocking an hour and a half to two hours ago. [my flight]”Now I can get to the airport an hour before my flight and get in line right away and get on the plane, which is just the way I like it,” Grainger said.
Photos taken by the CAT system are deleted after you check in. This system eliminates the need to exchange your boarding pass with security, but you will still need your boarding pass at the gate before boarding.
Security officials say the technology will ensure safety for travelers departing from Harrisburg.
“We want to make sure you’re who you say you are. That’s important,” Farbstein said. “It’s one of our security measures.”
