US Plans To Add More Facial Recognition at Airports

Image: Facial recognition sign at the airport (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Image: Facial recognition sign at the airport (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 3:35 PM ET, Wed January 1, 2025

Technology is coming at us at a fast and furious pace.

The United States Customs and Border Protection Service is adding over 200 airports to the list of the over 200 it already uses for its facial recognition programs. That includes nearly 50 airports with international departures.

The CPB plans more expansion in the coming years.

The Transportation Security Administration is right behind and says it has now deployed second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners at more than 84 airports across the country.

New passport protocols and identification for U.S. citizens is scheduled to be implemented in 2026.

Several U.S. congressmen and women oppose the facial recognition program. The implementation of facial recognition has raised privacy concerns


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
A New Standard in Economy Travel: TAP Economy PrimeWednesday, July 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive look at TAP Air Portugal's new Economy Prime cabin and discover how it can...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
A New Standard in Economy Travel: TAP Economy PrimeWednesday, July 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive look at TAP Air Portugal's new Economy Prime cabin and discover how it can...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...