Airports are increasingly adopting biometric scanning to streamline the boarding and arrival process. San Jose Mineta International Airport will soon scan every international traveler using facial recognition technology.
When fully implemented, San Jose will be the first West Coast airport in the United States to use biometric technology for 100 percent of its international passengers.
To date, Orlando International Airport is the only U.S. airport already using facial recognition to verify the identity of international travelers; that system went into operation in June.
Several other U.S. airports employ facial recognition primarily for processing arriving passengers, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK) and Houston (IAH).
San Jose airport officials say the technology is intended to enhance security while expediting inspection at federal customs checkpoints, which should reduce wait times for arriving international travelers. The change reflects a broader airport trend toward biometrics to improve efficiency and safety for passengers and staff alike.