U.S. Citizens Reentering JFK Airport Now Faced with Fresh Facial Recognition Tech for Swifter Processing
Streamlining Travel with Biometrics: Exploring the EPP Facial Recognition System
The world of travel is evolving, and biometric data is at the forefront. From Cat-2 scanners to the forthcoming EES system, the industry is increasingly embracing this technology. American Airlines is leading the charge, becoming the first carrier at JFK Airport to deploy the new EPP (Enhanced Passenger Processing) facial recognition system, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner at CBP, expressed, "We're committed to strengthening national security while facilitating legal travel. By employing advanced technologies and mobile applications, we're transforming airport inspections into a smooth, touchless process, enabling quicker risk identification and efficient processing of legitimate visitors."
What is EPP?
EPP is a cutting-edge biometric screening system designed to enhance the speed of reentry into the United States for travelers. By comparing a traveler's live image with their passport photo, the system seeks to expedite border clearance. This system conducts a traveler's complete customs assessment, including biometric authentication, eligibility checks, and enforcement, all before they encounter a CBP officer.
It's essential to note that EPP is exclusive to U.S. citizens, and participation is voluntary.
Airports Currently Using EPP
As per CBP, EPP is available at the following airports for U.S. citizens:
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Dublin Airport (DUB)
Although JFK Airport has not been officially incorporated into the CBP release, American Airlines and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have jointly launched EPP at JFK's Terminal 8.
The Advantages of EPP at JFK Airport
The benefits of EPP at JFK Airport include:
- A hassle-free, time-saving experience
- Enhanced processing efficiency
- No pre-enrollment required—participation is entirely voluntary
- Compliance with security standards
- Support for airport modernization
Discover more about the time-saving tools being developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection here.
Interesting Fact: The EPP system uses advanced facial recognition technology, offering a substantial reduction in processing times (from approximately 60 seconds to only 10 seconds) and a significant drop in missed flight connections [1][2][3]. This technology is also compliant with various security standards to ensure a secure travel experience for all.
- EPP's advanced facial recognition technology, prevalent in gadgets like smartphones and data-and-cloud-computing platforms, is a prime example of how technology is blurring lines in numerous sectors, including travel.
- As more airports adopt EPP, such as Orlando International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Dublin Airport, lifestyle choices like travel may be increasingly influenced by the integration of smart biometric systems, aiming to make border checks effortless and touchless.
- With the growing popularity of travel apps and improved biometric security systems like EPP, the future of travel may not be just about visiting new places, but also about the seamless integration of tech-based enhancements that can help manage our time efficiently.
