International fliers will be able to use facial recognition, rather than show their passports throughout the airport experience, from self-service check-in, at baggage counters, security screening and boarding.
The new system will be rolled out initially at Concourse F gates on October 15 and will then expanded throughout international Terminal F by December 1, according to the airline.
“Launching the first biometric terminal in the US at the world’s busiest airport means we’re bringing the future of flying to customers traveling around the globe,” said Delta’s Chief Operating Officer, Gil West.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the world’s busiest airport every year since 2000; and its current annual throughput is more than 103 million travellers. With all airports combined London has the world’s busiest city airport system by passenger count.
Delta says using facial recognition at Atlanta rather than multiple passport verifications will save passengers an average nine minutes at the airport.
The airline advises that international fliers still need to bring their passports for an international journey, and boarding passes are still needed at security checkpoints.
Delta customers are required to input their passport details during the online check-in process or can do so after a passport scan at the airport. International travellers can also use facial recognition verification during customs processing on arrival in the US.
