Delta: Optional facial recognition boarding test with CBP expands to Detroit, first of its kind for

Starting this month, Delta and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are launching DTW's first biometric boarding test, building on key learnings from several years of pilot projects at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport.

Customers leaving from gate A36 can choose to board the flagship aircraft using facial recognition technology. If customers want to participate*, they simply approach the camera, their image is captured, they get a confirmation receipt, and then they board their flight. Along with customers not having to locate their boarding pass or mobile phone while they board, the test also allows agents to more easily engage with customers as they board. If customers don't want to participate, they simply tell a gate agent, and board using their boarding pass or mobile phone instead.

"Expanding facial recognition boarding to this international gateway and Delta hub is a natural next step as we hone this boarding option in partnership with CBP," said Gil West, Delta's COO. "This new phase will allow us to get even more feedback from customers and employees, and is another example of how Delta is delivering innovative experiences customers have come to expect from great brands."

This test is currently underway on one flight daily, where customers also get to experience Delta's A350 and the new Delta One Suite. In the coming months, it will become an option for all international flights daily departing from that gate.

Over the past several years, Delta has led the industry on a number of customer solutions like optional biometric check-in at all domestic Delta Sky Clubs, RFID baggage handling, automatic check-in and bag tracking via the Fly Delta mobile app, an alliance that will empower customers with seamless in-cabin connectivity experience, more efficient and high-tech automated screening lanes, and a groundbreaking app that helps Delta pilots avoid turbulence for a more comfortable flight. Delta was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Worldwide in 2018, earning the No. 6 spot among travel companies.

*Travelers will need to have their passport available when boarding and should always bring their passports when they travel internationally for use at other touch points during their trip.