Instead of having a boarding pass why not be able to use your Frequent Flier card instead? The TSA would have a card reader where they would not only see your Government ID with Photo but they would see your boarding pass as well? You could link your Government ID with photo to any frequent flier card which would only be activated on the day of travel.

With this card you would enter the gate turnstile and would only be allowed to board when your Group is called. For pre-board the airline would add a code to the card to allow you access to the gate. There would be less need for a gate agent as the card would cancel your boarding pass and appear on the manifest that you checked in and boarded.

When you check your bags simply present your card and the bag tag gets added to your frequent flier account travel profile. If you need to get connecting gate information or if your flight has been cancelled are you are put on to a new flight simply swipe your card at a kiosk throughout the terminal and it will show your new flight and let you select a seat.

Lets say you like Row 15 Window your seat preference gets will stored and it will allow you to select your favorite rows and it will unlock Top tier seats based on your status with the airline. If it knows you like Economy Plus it will automatically purchase those seats or allow you to use miles to upgrade to Economy Plus or First Class etc.

Lets say you need to know where you stand on the upgrade list simply swipe the card at the Gate Kiosk and it will tell you where you stand.

Instead of a gate agent the entire boarding process could be automated unless you are in a wheelchair there would be a Special Assistance Counter with a separate waiting area connected to the gate.

This process would secure the gate areas even more because you are only allowed access when your row is called.

For those without a Frequent Flier card you can simply pick one up at the airport or have one mailed to you. In fact there could be a Global Card that links all of your Frequent Flier information, Government ID like a Clipper Card for Public Transportation. You could even load funds to pay for Buy On Board meals etc. All it takes is knowing your current Frequent Flier info and security pin/password.

Instead of carrying many cards you carry one card that is Government approved to load your Drivers License/State ID and Passport. Instead of carrying a Passport all your entry/exit data is loaded to the card with your fingerprint stored and Photo/Passport you don't have to worry about lost passports,sending in old passports for new ones etc.

The card can automatically be renewed every 10 years so as long as your data is current. Your Advance Passenger Information is stored as well on this card for security and its linked to the TSA, INS etc. No more adding pages in your passport. This card has your photo on it and would be accepted by all government offices etc.

If you want to link your Primary Credit Card and a Secondary one you can do this as well. To pay for a purchase simply enter the 4 digit pin and put your thumb on the machine etc.

When at the airport at TSA you would show this card and enter your 4 digit pin on the Pin Pad with your thumb and your boarding pass shows up on the TSA screen after the card has been swiped.

If the card has been stolen or lost simply call the 1800 number or go to an airport kiosk and they can replace the card for you right away as all of your info is stored on the computer. All you would need to do is put your thumb, enter your old pin and select your new pin as well as answer some security questions etc.

You could even use this account to answer the Customs Declaration Form from any kiosk in the airport at customs. This side of the card should be subsidized by the government as part of the fee to register your State ID/License/Passports. An additional $10 fee is added instead of the CLEAR program. You would be interviewed by a DMV official to -for the program and it will take about 1 week for the application to clear. Any traveler who wants to be part of this can join as long as they meet the security rules.