The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Dayton International Airport are now using new credential authentication technology (CAT) that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification (ID) and confirms their flight information in near real time.
A CAT unit consists of the passport reader, an ID card reader, a federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, a stand and a UV light. The technology will enhance detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents at the security checkpoint.
Passengers should approach the travel document checking station at the checkpoint and insert their ID directly into the scanner for authentication, which reduces a touchpoint. Passengers will not have to hand over their boarding pass (electronic or paper), thus reducing another touchpoint. The CAT unit will verify that the traveler is prescreened to travel out of the airport for a flight that day; however, a boarding pass may be requested for travelers under the age of 18 and/or those with ID issues.
Even with TSA’s use of CAT, travelers still need to check-in with their airline in advance and bring their boarding pass to their gate agent to show the airline representative before boarding their flight.
CAT units authenticate several thousand types of IDs including passports, military common access cards, retired military ID cards, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler ID cards, uniformed services ID cards, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas and driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments.
TSA reminds travelers that they must have their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other acceptable form of identification by the October 1, 2021, deadline. The CAT units will not accept a driver’s license after this date if it is not REAL ID-compliant.
