Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at South Bend International Airport (SBN) in Indiana, the US, has deployed a credential authentication technology (CAT) unit that authenticates the validity of travellers’ identification (ID), along with their flight information, in near real time.

If a CAT unit is in use, passengers at the travel document checking station can be asked to insert or scan their photo identification on their own.

Through a secure internet connection, the CAT unit will verify whether an individual is ticketed for travel that day.

It will also ensure whether a passenger is eligible for TSA PreCheck or general security screening.

However, passengers will still have to check-in with their airline and display their boarding pass to the airline gate agent before boarding their flight.

TSA’s detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent and tampered documents will be enhanced through this technology.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

CAT units are capable of authenticating several thousand types of IDs, including passports, permanent resident cards, US visas, driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments.

With the use of the CAT, a touchpoint in the security checkpoint will be reduced as it eliminates the need for a passenger to physically give their photo identification to the TSA officer.

Passengers are required to have their REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable forms of identification by the 1 October 2021 REAL ID enforcement deadline. The CAT will not accept a driver’s license after this deadline if it is not REAL ID-compliant.

In November, TSA at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) in Florida, started using an advanced computed tomography (CT) scanner at its security checkpoint.

When the CT is in use, passengers can refrain from removing electronics, food or travel-size liquids from their carry-on luggage.

Passengers under the TSA Precheck programme have this convenience regardless of whether the CT is in use or not.