On Thursday, Delta Airlines announced that it will provide facial recognition scanners in its terminals at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The scanners are offered to customers flying directly to an international destination.
The company is also offering the technology to people flying with partner airlines Aeromexico, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Delta Airlines has previously partnered with CLEAR, a biometric company that allows flyers to check in with a fingerprint or iris scanner. In July, Delta began offering biometric self-service bag drops in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
“Ever since 9/11, airlines, airports and TSA have been trying to keep the aviation system safe without causing too much hassle and pain for travelers,” said freelance aviation security writer Benét Wilson. “They’ve tried a lot of things and facial recognition is just a natural progression coming into play.”
Atlanta International Airport is known as the world’s busiest airport and Delta said it wants to make the process easier for its passengers.
“I think it’s a great idea and a really impressive advancement towards the future of travel,” said Atlanta-resident and frequent Delta flyer Justin Williams. He said that the airline’s implementation of the technology is also admirable.
Customers who opt out of using the face scanners will be required to go through traditional screenings.
