AI-Powered ID Verification Boosts Airport Security

Each day, around 2,900,000 passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While physical security checks are a quintessential part of airport safety, document verification is equally as crucial for passengers and airport personnel alike. With recent innovations and developments that underscore the important role that technology has in airport safety as a whole, the rollout of authentication solutions driven by artificial intelligence aims to revolutionize the way that ID verification works in U.S. airports and around the world.

The Value of AI-driven Analysis

Whether it be a false driver’s license or passport, counterfeit documents are a major concern as they’re often linked to identity theft, human trafficking, and other illegal activity. According to Fox 32 Chicago, nearly 1,000 counterfeit driver’s licenses were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the city’s O’Hare International Airport between January 21st and January 26th alone. While the prevalence of false IDs may be related to the beginning of the spring semester (in which fake IDs are a common occurrence among college-age students to gain access to alcohol), the large number is nevertheless a concern. The article goes on to point out that CBP officers were able to identify the fakes due to inconsistencies and a lack of “fine-line details,” and also notes that many of the IDs were found hidden in luggage.

False ID documents are an issue in airports around the world — a 2024 The National article by Ali Al Shouk notes that in the first quarter of the year alone, officials in Dubai discovered 366 passengers using false passports. While humans have proven to be essential in the identification of falsified travel documents, there is still palpable room for human error. A 2014 article from The Conversation by David White explores the role of human error in the identification of false ID documents. According to research published in PLOS ONE by White and colleagues, staff that issue passports “are no better than the average person” when it comes to the actual identification of the person vs. a passport photo. This identifies risks at the root of passports issued.

Trained experts are a must when the goal is to minimize and catch instances of false travel IDs — border control and immigration offers, for instance, are trained rigorously on security document examination in order to ensure they’re up to date on the techniques needed to identify false documents. TSA officers in the United States are also trained to identify false travel documents, as well as how to navigate situations in which a traveler’s identity may be questionable. With that in mind, human error is still a possibility in the correct identification of an individual vs. their photo, which underlines the value of technology. Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines are an essential tool already used by airport security in order to determine the authenticity of a document. According to Tech Informed, the CAT machine utilizes biometrics in order to match a passenger’s facial features with their ID document photo. A TSA program manager, Lucy Rimensnyder, describes the tech as a “one-to-one match,” as it uses a live image in comparison with the photo to determine authenticity at security checkpoints.

Real-World Application for a Connected Future

Technology is already a major player in the identification of false ID documents within the realm of air travel. According to Al Shouk, the immigration zone at Dubai International Airport is equipped with Retro Check, an e-passport reader that verifies the security features of travel documents. Additionally, Al Shouk notes that documents are analyzed by experts, found at the Document Examination Centre. While this is a fantastic example of technology that works in tandem with human employees, tech-driven innovations aim to enhance security at airports on a larger scale. For example, Dubai’s airport is expected to go “passport-free” with the help of artificial intelligence technology. Executive Traveler notes that the integration of facial-recognition cameras “will replace all physical passport control stations” (as well as smart gates) at the Dubai airport, which aims to streamline the traveler experience and enhance security.

The rollout of biometric technology for ID verification is becoming more prevalent across airports in the United States. Findings from the U.S. Travel Association Biometric Survey results discovered that 79% of air travelers “support the use of biometrics at TSA checkpoints to confirm the identity of travelers.” In terms of rollout, U.S. Customs and Border Protection notes that 238 airports currently use Biometric Facial Comparison Technology. While many are in favor of AI-driven solutions, it’s important to note that there is some pushback against such endeavors. TSA began the use of facial recognition technology back in 2020, though many are concerned about potential privacy violations as well as the fears of a future that involves non-consensual, widespread monitoring. With that in mind, it’s important to note that passengers are able to ‘opt-out,’ and present their physical documents instead of using facial-recognition technology to verify their identity.

While the use of biometrics is being implemented in airports throughout the U.S., other countries have made significant headway in the adoption of biometrics. Across the world, one CNBC Cyber report from late 2024 spotlights the Zayed international Airport, located in Abu Dhabi. According to the article, the airport’s Smart Travel Project will involve the integration of biometric sensors “at every airport identification checkpoint by 2025.” The project will make the airport the world’s first to require biometric boarding. While the endeavors provide a sneak peek into what the future of airport technology could look like on a broader scale one day, it’s not likely to become mainstream around the globe anytime soon. This is largely due to the role of privacy concerns, guidelines, regulations, and various other considerations (like data security), that play into the potential of mainstream adoption.

Other Aspects of Airport Security

AI-driven analysis can extend beyond passenger ID document verification, as employee identification is equally as essential to the safety and security of airports throughout the world. Whether an employee works in retail, food, or is part of the flight crew, proper ID verification is crucial on all levels in order to secure the airport in every possible aspect. Digital identity verification technology has come to play a significant role in this regard, with the use of biometric verification at play for many.

In addition to smart verification systems, traditional ID cards still play a key role for airport personnel. Many airports may choose to implement a standard ID card size, such as the CR80, which features dimensions of 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches (as well as a general thickness of 0.016 inches). In being the standard size for ID cards across a variety of industries, the CR80 design is perfect for everyday use and can fit comfortably alongside an employee’s other cards. Where security is concerned, the physical ID cards of airport personnel may include tamper-proof features such as holograms and watermarks. Some IDs may even include the integration of technologies (such as special encoding), which provides authorized access to specific, personnel-only areas.

Airport security is often associated with baggage inspection, though in reality, it involves a myriad of working parts that are quintessential to a safe experience for all who pass through the airport. ID documents are just one major aspect of airport security, in which verification extends well beyond a look at an individual’s photo.