Phoenix Sky Harbor is first airport to use advanced passenger identification technology

PHOENIX – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has become the first air terminal in the United States to implement technology that allows passengers to use their driver’s license or ID card in Apple Wallet on iPhone or Apple Watch to verify their identity.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the State of Arizona, Apple and the City of Phoenix, have deployed this new technology for airport security screening purposes since last March.

Individuals with driver’s licenses or documents issued by the State of Arizona will be able to add a digital version of their registration to their Apple Wallet to verify their identity to the TSA.

Initially, this new capability is only available to Arizona TSA PreCheck passengers. To use this feature, passengers must add their Arizona-issued driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet.

To present their ID in Apple Wallet, passengers will simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on the TSA credential authentication technology reader. The security agent will then verify the passenger’s identity and flight status for a secure, fast, convenient and contactless experience.

With the driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet, identification data is encrypted and digitally transmitted, eliminating the need for passengers to show or hand their device to an officer. All passengers, including those traveling through PHX with a driver’s license or state ID, should continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver’s license or ID card.

TSA recommends that eligible travelers complete the process of adding a mobile ID to their Apple Wallet prior to arriving at the TSA checkpoint.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff