Article Highlights:

  • Biometrics Revolutionizing Security: Facial recognition, fingerprint, palm, and iris scanning streamline airport security.
  • New Security Technologies: AI-powered baggage scanners, automated screening lanes, and advanced surveillance improve safety.
  • Known Traveler Programs Expansion: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are now offered through select credit cards and employer programs.
  • REAL ID Requirements: It is essential for domestic flights by May 7, 2025; failure to comply could disrupt travel plans.
  • International Hotel Safety: Hotel security and AI-driven risk management innovations help travelers stay safe worldwide.

 

Biometrics: The Future of Airport Security

Biometric technology is transforming airport security, making the process faster, more efficient, and less reliant on physical documentation. Airports worldwide are implementing facial recognition for check-ins, security screenings, and boarding. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded biometric entry/exit systems, reducing wait times and enhancing security accuracy by verifying passenger identities instantly.

Fingerprint recognition is another key component of biometric security. This technology is commonly used in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry kiosks, allowing known travelers to verify their identities with a simple touch. This reduces the need for extensive documentation checks, streamlining the security process.

Additionally, some airports are integrating palm vein recognition and iris scanning for high-security access points.

Several international airports have integrated biometric technologies such as palm vein recognition and iris scanning to enhance security and streamline passenger processing. Notable implementations include:

  • Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar): The airport utilizes iris recognition technology at immigration and security checkpoints to identify travelers, enhancing security and passenger convenience.
  • Canadian Airports: The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority employs iris recognition to verify the identities of airport workers across 29 major airports in Canada, ensuring secure access to restricted areas.
  • Singapore: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore has been trialing facial and iris recognition as an upgrade to fingerprint recognition at various land and air border checkpoints since 2019.
  • South Korea: Since 2018, 14 airports managed by the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), including Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju International Airports, have implemented palm vein recognition systems. Passengers can register their palm vein data at participating financial institutions, enabling them to proceed through check-in and boarding without traditional identification documents. This system has been shown to significantly reduce check-in times.

These implementations reflect a growing trend in the aviation industry to adopt advanced biometric technologies to enhance security measures and improve the overall passenger experience.

These methods provide even greater accuracy and security while offering a contactless experience, which has become increasingly desirable due to global health concerns. As biometric security advances, travelers can expect an even smoother airport experience with minimized friction at security checkpoints.

 

New and Emerging Airport Security Technology

Security innovations are making airport travel safer and more efficient, incorporating AI-powered screening systems and automated processes. AI-powered baggage scanners are now being deployed, offering computed tomography (CT) imaging that provides detailed 3D representations of luggage contents. These systems allow TSA officers to inspect baggage without requiring passengers to remove electronics or liquids, making the security process faster and more convenient.

Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) have been introduced in many airports to enhance security. These lanes use conveyor belts that move carry-on luggage through screening more efficiently, automatically separating flagged bags for additional inspection. This reduces bottlenecks and speeds up passenger flow through security checkpoints.

Several international airports have implemented or are testing AI-enhanced baggage scanning systems to improve security and efficiency. Notable examples include:

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands): The airport has tested the integration of AI with CT scanners to scan baggage in real-time, aiming to enhance threat detection capabilities.
  • Edinburgh Airport (United Kingdom): In April 2024, Edinburgh Airport introduced its first 3D security scanners. These scanners utilize advanced technology to automatically scan bags for restricted or illegal contents, reducing the need for manual searches and speeding up the process.
  • Pune International Airport (India): Pune Airport has installed and initiated trials for an artificial intelligence (AI) baggage scanner system to scan passengers’ luggage, moving towards modernizing its technology.
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (Japan): in collaboration with NEC, Japan Airlines conducted a trial using AI to analyze footage from cameras installed at boarding gates. The system was designed to classify baggage into predefined categories and estimate the space each item would occupy in overhead bins in real time, aiming to ensure smooth boarding and avoid flight delays.

These implementations reflect a growing trend in the aviation industry to leverage AI to enhance security screening processes and operational efficiency.

Enhanced surveillance systems are also crucial to airport security. AI-driven cameras and machine learning algorithms now detect suspicious behavior in real-time, allowing security teams to respond quickly to potential threats. In addition, e-gates and contactless checkpoints enable passengers to move through security using biometric verification, reducing the need for manual document checks. As airports continue to invest in these technologies, travelers will experience shorter wait times and improved overall security.

 

REAL ID: What You Need To Know

The REAL ID Act sets stricter security standards for state-issued identification cards, significantly impacting domestic travel. A REAL ID is a federally compliant driver’s license or identification card that meets the latest TSA security requirements. It is an essential form of identification for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present a REAL ID or another approved form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, to board domestic flights within the United States. Those who do not have a REAL ID-compliant identification by this deadline may face significant travel disruptions.

A REAL ID allows individuals to use it for domestic travel, entry into federal buildings, and access to nuclear power plants. However, it does not replace a passport for international travel. Travelers who fail to obtain a REAL ID before the enforcement date must carry an alternative federally accepted form of identification to board flights and enter federal facilities. To avoid any last-minute issues, travelers should check their ID status and upgrade to a REAL ID if necessary.

 

AI’s Role in Travel Security and Planning

Artificial intelligence is becoming integral to travel security and planning, helping travelers make informed decisions more efficiently. Many travelers now use AI to research destinations, plan itineraries, and find accommodations. According to recent data, 79% of travelers use AI for destination research, while 82% rely on it for general travel planning. Additionally, 54% use AI for lodging recommendations, and 61% look to AI for activity suggestions.

AI streamlines travel planning by cutting down the time required to sift through endless sources of information. This technology enables travelers to customize their itineraries based on preferences, budget, and real-time updates. AI-driven recommendation engines help travelers find the best deals on transportation, lodging, and dining options, making trip planning more efficient and personalized.

However, AI also introduces potential risks, particularly in the form of scams and misinformation. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, travelers must remain vigilant against deepfake scams, identity fraud, and misleading travel advice. Experts warn cybercriminals may exploit AI-powered chatbots and automated systems to deceive travelers into making fraudulent bookings or sharing personal information. To mitigate these risks, travelers should rely on trusted sources and verify information before making travel decisions.

 

Developments in Known Traveler Programs: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

TSA PreCheck allows passengers to enjoy dedicated security lanes where they do not need to remove shoes, laptops, or liquids. Global Entry, designed for frequent international travelers, expedites U.S. customs clearance. Many major airlines and employer travel programs now subsidize or reimburse the fee, making the program more accessible to business travelers.

Travelers can get a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years from Capital One Venture Rewards, Chase Sapphire Reserve, AMEX Platinum, United Explorer, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and the IHG One Rewards Premier credit cards.

 

International Hotel Safety: What’s New?

Traveler security extends beyond the airport. Hotels worldwide are enhancing security measures to protect guests from potential threats.

AI-driven security monitoring and surveillance are becoming more common in luxury hotels, and AI-powered surveillance is being used to detect suspicious activity. Many hotels have also adopted mobile check-in and keyless room access, reducing touchpoints and improving security for guests. Increased cybersecurity measures, such as secure Wi-Fi networks and encrypted data protection, help prevent hacking and identity theft.

When selecting a hotel, travelers should look for properties with 24/7 front desk and security personnel, secure room locks, surveillance cameras, and well-lit public areas. Signs of an unsafe hotel include poorly lit entrances, a lack of visible security, and negative guest reviews mentioning safety concerns. Travelers can ensure a safer stay by choosing hotels with enhanced security features.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

With the rise in global travel, cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing how travelers stay safe and informed. GRID — the Global Rescue Intelligence Delivery system — is a cornerstone app for traveler safety and protection. It’s the world’s only fully integrated travel risk, asset tracking, intelligence delivery, and crisis response management platform. It is an essential companion to our top-tier medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services.

GRID provides real-time updates on security and medical risks worldwide, empowering travelers to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions in high-risk areas. By integrating tracking, event monitoring, and emergency alerts, GRID helps minimize travel risks. Additionally, innovations such as AI-powered tools, translation apps, self-service airport security screening, and advanced screening wands enhance the travel experience, making international journeys safer and more seamless.

Many travelers lack immediate access to critical travel intelligence or emergency communication tools that could be lifesaving in a medical or security crisis. GRID 2.0 changes that.

This advanced system delivers real-time alerts and event notifications on civil unrest, disease outbreaks, safety concerns, transportation disruptions, communication blackouts, and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

In emergencies, GRID 2.0 connects members instantly with Global Rescue’s expert medical teams and military special operations veterans, ensuring rapid response and support when it matters most.