Delta Digital Id: Airports With Contactless Verification

Delta Digital ID is an innovative, touchless technology that allows passengers to move through security and bag drop without showing a physical ID. Delta Digital ID uses biometric facial matching to automate document checks, removing the need for an agent to verify identification documents. This technology was first introduced in 2021 at the airline's Detroit and Atlanta hubs and has since expanded to several other airports. Delta Digital ID is now available at Salt Lake City International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, La Guardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Delta Digital ID launched at Salt Lake City International Airport

Delta Digital ID has been launched at Salt Lake City International Airport, marking a significant step towards a faster and more seamless airport experience for travellers. The innovative technology, developed in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), offers a host of benefits to eligible Delta customers passing through the airport.

One of the key advantages of Delta Digital ID is its ability to streamline the document check process. By leveraging biometric facial matching technology, the system eliminates the need for agent-facilitated document checks. This means that customers can move through the airport more efficiently, without having to present their driving licences, passports, or other forms of identification.

The introduction of Delta Digital ID at Salt Lake City International Airport provides customers with access to the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID lane. This dedicated lane offers an expedited security checkpoint experience, where customers can simply look into a camera to verify their identity, rather than showing a physical government-issued ID. The technology has proven to be significantly faster than standard transactions, with bag drop times reduced by approximately 75% and security checkpoint wait times cut by 60%.

The expansion of Delta Digital ID to Salt Lake City follows its successful implementation at several other busy hubs, including Atlanta, Detroit, and New York-JFK and La Guardia airports. The technology has been well-received by customers, who appreciate the time savings and convenience it offers. Following its launch in Salt Lake City, Delta plans to introduce the system at Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., enhancing the travel experience for even more customers.

To use Delta Digital ID, customers must first opt in via the Fly Delta app or their SkyMiles profile on delta.com. It's important to note that Delta does not save or store any biometric data, and customers have the option to opt out of the system at any time. With its focus on speed, convenience, and security, Delta Digital ID is set to revolutionise the airport experience, making travel through Salt Lake City International Airport faster and more efficient than ever before.

Delta Digital ID expanded to three major US airports

Delta Digital ID has expanded to three major US airports, offering a faster and more convenient airport experience. The biometric digital ID program is now available at Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and Salt Lake City (SLC) airports, with plans to expand to Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., in November 2024.

With Delta Digital ID, customers can navigate a streamlined, hands-free airport journey. The technology allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a paper boarding pass or physical government ID. Instead, customers use biometric facial matching, looking into a camera at the bag drop and/or security checkpoint to verify their identity. This process is up to 75% faster than standard transactions, reducing the average time spent at bag drop from two minutes to just 30 seconds.

To be eligible for Delta Digital ID, customers must opt in via the Fly Delta app or their SkyMiles profile on delta.com. Once opted in, customers can use any of the Digital ID lanes at designated bag drop stations and security lines, identified by a green "Delta Digital ID" icon. It is important to note that Delta does not store or save any customer biometric information, and participation in the program is entirely optional.

The expansion of Delta Digital ID to these three major US airports is part of Delta's commitment to innovating the customer travel experience. By leveraging technology, Delta aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for its customers, making air travel faster and smoother. This initiative builds upon Delta's previous implementations of Digital ID at some of its busiest hubs, including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK and La Guardia Airport), and more.

Delta Digital ID to be available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Delta Digital ID is set to be available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington County, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. The airport is the closest to the nation's capital and is one of two in the Washington metropolitan area operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). The other is Dulles International Airport, located about 25 miles (40 km) to the west.

Delta Digital ID is a biometric digital ID program that allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a boarding pass or physical ID. It uses facial recognition technology to identify travellers, removing the need for a TSA agent to check their documents. All users have to do is look into a camera and then get the okay from the agent. The digital ID is available to customers who opt in via the Fly Delta app or their SkyMiles profile on delta.com.

The technology is already in operation at some of Delta's busiest hubs, including Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York-JFK and La Guardia Airport. The addition of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will introduce a more streamlined, hands-free airport experience for customers. Delta Digital ID users will be able to use a dedicated lane at security, separate from PreCheck and CLEAR, and transactions at bag drop are expected to be about 75% faster than standard transactions, averaging 30 seconds compared to two minutes.

The expansion of Delta Digital ID to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is expected to be implemented in November, just in time for the holiday travel season. This follows the recent launch of the digital ID and TSAPreCheck® Touchless ID at Delta's Salt Lake City (SLC) hub. Delta and TSA plan to continue partnering and monitoring additional expansion options in 2025.

Delta Digital ID's impact on security screening

Delta Digital ID is a technology that uses biometric facial matching to automate the identity verification process at airports. It is designed to enhance security screening and improve the travel experience for customers. The system allows customers to move through security checkpoints without the need to show a physical government-issued ID or boarding pass, making the process faster and more efficient.

The impact of Delta Digital ID on security screening is significant. Firstly, it reduces the time spent at security lanes. With Delta Digital ID, travellers spend an average of 7 to 10 seconds at security checkpoints, compared to 20 to 25 seconds for standard security checks. This faster processing time not only improves the customer experience but also reduces congestion at airports, which can enhance overall security.

Secondly, Delta Digital ID enhances security by reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. Digital IDs are more secure than physical IDs, which can be counterfeited or tampered with. The facial recognition technology used in Delta Digital ID makes it difficult for unauthorised individuals to assume someone else's identity, as the biometric data is unique to each individual. This added layer of security strengthens the overall security screening process.

Additionally, Delta Digital ID provides a more private and contactless experience for travellers. With digital IDs, customers only share the necessary information required for identity verification, protecting their personal data. This feature addresses privacy concerns and reduces physical contact with TSA officers, which is particularly important in the context of public health and safety.

The implementation of Delta Digital ID also has implications for resource allocation and staffing. The automated identity verification process reduces the workload on TSA agents, allowing them to focus on other security tasks and improve overall efficiency. This technology can help optimise the deployment of resources, ensuring that staff are allocated where they are most needed.

Overall, Delta Digital ID has a positive impact on security screening. It streamlines the identity verification process, enhances security through advanced biometric technology, improves privacy, and reduces contact points. By implementing this system, Delta is able to offer a faster, more secure, and more efficient airport experience for its customers.

Delta Digital ID's eligibility criteria

Delta Digital ID is a time-saving, industry-first technology that allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a physical government ID. It is available to customers who opt in via the Fly Delta app or their SkyMiles profile on delta.com.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a valid U.S. passport.
• Store your passport information and TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number in your SkyMiles profile.
• Opt into Delta Digital ID within your SkyMiles profile on delta.com.
• At select airports, look for the green "Delta Digital ID" badge on signs at dedicated bag drop and "TSA PreCheck Touchless ID" at security lines.

Once opted in, Delta Digital ID becomes part of your SkyMiles profile, though you may choose to opt out at any time. Delta does not save or store any biometric data. The use of biometrics with Delta Digital ID is completely optional. If an eligible customer does not wish to participate, they can use their government IDs as always (there is no penalty for not opting in).

Delta Digital ID is currently available at ATL, DTW, LAX, LGA, SLC, and DCA airports.

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