TSA Chief Says Biometrics Could Lower Travel Stress

Image: Facial Recognition at the Airport (photo by Eric Bowman)
Image: Facial Recognition at the Airport (photo by Eric Bowman)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 3:02 PM ET, Sun March 19, 2023

David Pekoske, the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), says facial recognition and biometric technology are here to stay and in fact, they might be a stress-reducer for passengers flying on airplanes.

But is it more of a stress-reducer for the passengers, or is it a stress-reducer for those from the TSA who are checking identification verification?

Pekoske made his remarks this week in Austin, Texas, home of the famous South by Southwest annual meeting and conference and celebration. The speech came as part of a panel on airport security column at the same time the Federal Aviation Administration who's hosting a Safety Summit in suburban Washington D.C.

Pekoske said an increase in the technology would speed up security lines at airports even further.

"It's critically important that this system has as little friction as it possibly can, while we provide for safety and security," he said, adding that the new technology the agency is using is more than 99 percent effective compared to the technology TSA was using just a few years ago. "We're upgrading our camera systems all the time, upgrading our lighting systems. We're upgrading our algorithms, so that we are using the very most advanced algorithms and technology we possibly can."


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
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...