Delta has extended its Digital ID service to three more US airports, allowing eligible travellers to pass through bag drop and security checkpoints without the need for documents to be checked by an agent.
The carrier launched its Digital ID programme in 2021, initially on routes from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport before extending the service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.
To avail of the service passengers need to be members of the TSA PreCheck programme, have passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile, and have a SkyMiles account and the Fly Delta app.
Eligible customers will notified via the app when travelling from one of the above airports, and once opted in the Delta Digital ID will become part of their SkyMiles profile, although they can choose to opt out at any point.
They are then able to check bags and move through security without having to show a physical ID , by looking into the camera signposted by the green Delta Digital ID icon at bag drop and security checkpoints.
The airline said that while facial matching algorithms “are extremely accurate”, a trained agent will inspect government-issued ID if the technology is unable to identify a customer.
Delta also said that using Delta Digital ID at bag drop takes an average time of 30 seconds, compared to two minutes for standard bag drop transactions.
The carrier is looking to extend the technology to additional hubs in 2024, and from January it will be available in Atlanta’s international terminal.
Commenting on the news Austin Gould, assistant administrator, requirements, capabilities and analysis – TSA, said:
“Delta Digital ID helps passengers save time and improves security effectiveness. It’s a simpler, more convenient experience – one that strictly adheres to passenger privacy and our security protocols, as well as our mission of protecting our nation’s transportation systems.”
