American Airlines Launches First Biometric Boarding Pilot Program

American Airlines has launched its first biometric boarding pilot program.

Instead of scanning boarding passes, American customers traveling on select international departures from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 4 can now use the one-step facial recognition program which will scan and verify a customer’s identity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the gate.

“LAX is American’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, making it the perfect location for American to launch biometric boarding,” said Suzanne Boda, Senior Vice President of Los Angeles at American. “The goal of the new technology is to provide a more efficient, modern experience for our customers and team members while enhancing aviation security. That is exactly what we’ve been working to do here in Los Angeles.”

When customers begin the boarding process, the facial recognition program will scan an image of their face and send it to an existing cloud-based CBP database. The system then instantly matches the image against the passport photo already on file with CBP and sends back a yes or no determination on whether they are cleared to board within seconds at the gate.

Agents will continue to ensure customers have their passports with them before departing. Customers may also choose not to use the new system and board with their regular boarding pass.

The pilot program will be used at LAX for 90 days as American evaluates its potential expansion to more flights and locations throughout its global network.

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