NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk International Airport started implementing a new technology that confirms the validity of a flyer’s identity and their flight information.
The first generation version of the Credential Authentication Technology, or CAT, units would scan a traveler’s photo identification in order to confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, can also take a real-time photo of the traveler.
CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer verifies and the traveler can proceed through the checkpoint, without ever exchanging a boarding pass.
The photos are not saved after they’ve properly identified the person, a release states.