SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane International Airport has received two new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units to be used at the security checkpoint.
The second-generation CAT units, referred to as CAT-2 units, are used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to verify the identity of travelers during the security process via a real-time photo process.
According to a press release from an airport representative, TSA uses the CAT-2 units to scan a traveler's photo identification, confirm a traveler has a valid ticket and compare the photo ID with a real-time photo of the traveler using facial recognition technology.
The airport says the CAT units improve TSA's ability to authenticate a traveler's photo ID and identify any inconsistencies that may indicate fraudulent documents.
TSA agents will still visually verify the traveler's identity with the traveler's photo ID and travelers are welcome to opt out of the CAT verification.
“Using technology to verify a traveler’s identity is another way to enhance the security screening process. We are pleased with the capabilities and efficiencies of the performance of the CAT-2 units,” said Washington TSA Federal Security Director Greg Hawko. “We are grateful for the investment TSA has made in bringing CAT-2 to GEG.”
The airport says photos captured by any CAT units are not stored or used for other purposes. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt-out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.
The airport says TSA agents are in training to use the CAT-2 units and over the next few weeks, travelers will see the units in use at the A, B and C security checkpoints.
For more information about the TSA's use of digital identification technology, visit the official TSA website.