The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Billings International Airport (BIL) is now using new technology in the security checkpoint that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification and confirms their flight information in near real time.
When travelers approach the travel document checking podium, they will be asked to insert or scan their photo identification themselves if a Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) unit is in use. With CAT, there is no need to provide a boarding pass to the TSA officer.
Through a secure internet connection, the CAT unit verifies that the individual is ticketed for travel that day and whether they are eligible for TSA PreCheckTM or general security screening. Travelers still need to check-in with their airline and show their boarding pass to the airline gate agent before boarding their flight.
This technology will enhance TSA’s detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents and those that have been tampered with. CAT units can authenticate several thousand types of identification including passports; state-issued driver licenses and identification cards; as well as U.S. and foreign passports.
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