Navigating Facial Recognition at U.S. Airports: What You Need to Know to Opt Out

Photo byNYTimes

As technology transforms our world, U.S. airports are increasingly adopting facial recognition systems to enhance the travel experience. While the promise of faster boarding and fewer paper tickets is appealing, these systems come with significant privacy and accuracy concerns. For American travelers who prefer to avoid facial scans, the good news is that opting out is not only possible but also their right. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating facial recognition at U.S. airports and exercising your option to opt out.

The Rise of Facial Recognition at Airports

Facial recognition technology has been implemented in over 230 U.S. airports, a move endorsed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to boost efficiency and security. This technology aims to streamline the boarding process and reduce reliance on paper tickets. Airlines like Delta and JetBlue began using these systems as early as 2018, with other carriers quickly adopting the technology.

The process is designed to be straightforward: as passengers approach the boarding gate, their faces are scanned, and the images are compared to government databases for identity verification and watchlist checks. This system is intended to enhance security and reduce fraud. However, the use of facial recognition in airports has been subject to controversy.

Accuracy and Privacy Concerns

While innovative, facial recognition technology has faced criticism for its accuracy and privacy implications. Early deployments experienced technical glitches and reliability issues. Studies have shown that facial recognition algorithms often perform less effectively on people of color, raising concerns about fairness and equality. These inaccuracies can lead to wrongful or misidentifications, which are particularly troubling in sensitive environments like airports.

Beyond technical issues, there are significant privacy concerns. Unlike traditional methods where government agencies manage travelers’ information, facial recognition involves airlines collecting biometric data, which is then shared with the government. This data can be stored for varying lengths of time—from a few hours to several decades—depending on the traveler’s status. Such extensive data storage raises questions about how long personal information is retained and who has access to it.

Exercising Your Right to Opt Out

Photo byACLU

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, opting out of facial recognition is a right and a relatively straightforward process. Despite the efficiency promised by these systems, some travelers prefer to avoid having their biometric data captured. Fortunately, opting out is a feasible option if you wish to exercise it.

At the airport, look for signs indicating the availability of opt-out options. However, be aware that signage may be sparse or not immediately visible. If you don’t see any signs, don’t hesitate to ask an airline employee or a border agent about the process. The key to opting out is proactively informing an officer or airline staff member when you are approached for a facial recognition scan.

When you choose to opt out, airport staff will manually review your travel documents, such as your passport and boarding pass. This process mirrors the traditional method of verifying travel documents that was used before facial recognition systems were introduced. While opting out may take a bit longer than using the automated system, it ensures that your biometric data is not captured.

A Few Additional Tips

Opting out may require multiple notifications throughout your journey, especially if you’re traveling internationally and passing through various checkpoints. Be prepared to explain your choice each time you encounter a facial recognition scan.

Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents cannot generally opt out, with a few exceptions, such as Canadian citizens who don’t require a visa to enter the United States and certain diplomatic visa holders.

If you’re unsure about the process or have any concerns, contacting your airline in advance is always a good idea. They can provide detailed information about their procedures and help ensure a smoother travel experience.