Delta’s New Biometric Terminal in Atlanta

The new technology in Terminal Fallows customers flying on Delta, Aeromexico, Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic Airways curb to gate service through facial recognition.  The airline announced plans for this technology upgrade earlier this year as they began rolling out pieces of the equation starting with self-service kiosks in the lobby.

“Delta’s successful launch of the first biometric terminal in the U.S. at the world’s busiest airport means we are designing the airport biometric experience blueprint for the industry,” said Gil West, Delta’s COO. “We’re removing the need for a customer checking a bag to present their passport up to four times per departure – which means we’re giving customers the option of moving through the airport with one less thing to worry about, while empowering our employees with more time for meaningful interactions with customers.”

At this time less than 2% of customers are opting out of the process which is stated to reduce boarding by 2 seconds per customer.  The faster boarding system reduces the time to board a wide-body aircraft by 9 minutes.

With the success of this rollout under their belt, Delta is working with Customs and Border Patrol (CPB) in Detroit to roll out the facial recognition trial across the 14 gates at the McNamara Terminal. The goal is to complete this roll-out by mid-December.

The airline plans to continue to roll out the technology and improve the speed passengers transfer through the airports.

by Elizabeth Atkinson