Delta To Debut ‘First Biometric Terminal’

Delta Air Lines has announced the launch of the first biometric terminal in the United States at Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal (Terminal F) in Atlanta.

The airline is collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the service.

Beginning later this year, travelers flying direct to an international destination can use facial recognition technology to check in at the self-service kiosks in the lobby, drop checked baggage at the lobby counters, offer identification at the TSA checkpoint, board a flight at any gate in Terminal F, and go through CBP processing for international travelers arriving into the U.S.

“Launching the first biometric terminal in the U.S. at the world’s busiest airport means we’re bringing the future of flying to customers traveling around the globe,” Gil West, Delta’s COO, said in a press release. “Customers have an expectation that experiences along their journey are easy and happen seamlessly — that’s what we’re aiming for by launching this technology across airport touch points.”

Customers simply enter their passport information during online check-in, and then click “Look” on the screen at the kiosk. Travelers can also approach the camera at the counter in the lobby, the TSA checkpoint or when boarding at the gate. Once the green check mark comes on the screen, the person is free to proceed to security. And if customers opt not to participate, they can just proceed normally through the airport.

The airline says that based on testing, this new offering can save up to nine minutes per flight, as well as provide employees the chance to have more personal interactions with customers.

“This is the latest example of Delta’s investment in, and partnership with, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport. We are looking forward to bringing the future of travel to life with Delta, CBP and TSA,” said Balram Bheodari, interim general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.