Aviation

US Airlines and TSA Team Up to Streamline Travel with Face Biometrics

United Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking advancement in airport security procedures: the integration of ‘Touchless ID’ technology. This innovation, initially available for TSA PreCheck members at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), promises to redefine travel convenience and efficiency.

The Touchless ID system enables passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck to breeze through security checkpoints by simply scanning their faces. By opting into United’s Touchless ID program through the airline’s mobile app, travelers can skip the traditional ID and boarding pass checks, streamlining their airport experience.

To participate, passengers submit their selfie biometrics via United’s app, where they scan their passports and add their Known Traveler Number (KTN). This integration not only expedites security procedures but also enhances passenger convenience.

United’s Touchless ID program is currently available for solo travelers aged 18 and above, while Delta’s program extends to groups as long as all members have opted in. When compared to Clear, a private expedited screening service utilizing biometrics, Touchless PreCheck is touted as faster and experiencing fewer glitches.

For travelers navigating the myriad TSA screening options, Touchless PreCheck serves as a seamless addition to existing security lines and Clear queues. By leveraging face biometrics, US airlines and TSA are spearheading a digital transformation in airport security, promising a more efficient and convenient travel experience for passengers nationwide.

Aviation

DOT Penalizes Lufthansa $4 Million for Stopping Jewish Passengers From Boarding

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $4 million penalty on Lufthansa for discriminating against Jewish passengers traveling from New York City to Budapest via Frankfurt in May 2022. The incident marked the largest civil rights fine ever levied by the DOT against an airline.

The case stems from an incident where Lufthansa denied 128 Jewish passengers — most of whom were wearing traditional Orthodox Jewish attire — from boarding their connecting flight in Germany.

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The airline’s actions were based on the alleged misconduct of a few individuals during the first leg of the journey from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA). However, many of those passengers did not know each other or travel as a group. DOT investigators found that Lufthansa treated them as a single entity, barring them from their connecting flight to Budapest (BUD) for the actions of a few.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting passengers’ rights. “No one should face discrimination when they travel, and today’s action sends a clear message to the airline industry that we are prepared to investigate and take action whenever passengers’ civil rights are violated,” he said. Buttigieg added that DOT’s increased enforcement efforts aim to ensure airlines treat all passengers with fairness and dignity.

This aircraft won’t need a runway

The investigation began after DOT received over 40 complaints from Jewish passengers affected by the incident. Despite some passengers failing to follow crew instructions on the first flight, lufthansa business lounge newark did not specifically identify any noncompliant individuals.

Instead, the airline placed a blanket hold on the tickets of over 100 passengers, preventing them from continuing their journey. lufthansa airways acknowledged that this approach could lead to excluding compliant passengers but deemed it impractical to address each case individually.