Mar 2, 2022, 5:22 pm
Last edit by: TWA884
From the TSA website:
CAT is an effective tool for TSA officers, providing enhanced fraudulent ID detection capabilities while confirming the identity and flight information of travelers.
When a CAT unit is in use, a TSA officer will ask travelers to provide their photo IDs. The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed.
CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers’ flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status (such as TSA PreCheck®) the traveler is eligible for, all without a boarding pass. However, CAT does not eliminate the requirement for passengers to check-in with their airline. Passengers still need their boarding pass to show the airline representative at their gate before boarding their flight.
Credential Authentication Technology
What is CAT?
Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) is a security game changer, ensuring ID authentication, reservation verification and Secure Flight pre-screening status are known in “near” real-time at the airport security checkpoint.CAT is an effective tool for TSA officers, providing enhanced fraudulent ID detection capabilities while confirming the identity and flight information of travelers.
When a CAT unit is in use, a TSA officer will ask travelers to provide their photo IDs. The officer will insert each photo ID into the CAT unit where the ID is scanned and analyzed.
CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers’ flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status (such as TSA PreCheck®) the traveler is eligible for, all without a boarding pass. However, CAT does not eliminate the requirement for passengers to check-in with their airline. Passengers still need their boarding pass to show the airline representative at their gate before boarding their flight.
Advantages of CAT
CAT improves the travel document checker’s ability to accurately authenticate passenger identification and pre-screening status, addressing the vulnerabilities associated with ID and boarding pass fraud.Acceptable Forms of ID
Passengers 18 years old and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. CAT can scan the following types of identification:- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) ID. This includes IDs for active duty and retired military, their dependents, and DOD civilians. Also, the DOD Common Access Card (CAC).
- U.S. Merchant Mariner ID
- Trusted Traveler card:
- Global Entry
- Secure Electronic Network for Traveler Rapid Inspection (SENTRI)
- Free and Secure Trade (FAST) ID
- NEXUS card
- Permanent Resident Card/Resident Alien Card (I-551)
- Border Crossing Card/nonimmigrant visa (DSP-150)
- DHS refugee travel document (I-571)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
- Driver’s or enhanced driver’s license
- Identification card issued by or under authority of a state Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent state office that is intended or commonly accepted for the purpose of identifying individuals
- Passports
- United Nations laissez-passer
- Canadian driver’s license
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Airport Locations
TSA has CAT units at the following airports:
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
- Albany International Airport (ALB)
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Appleton International Airport (ATW)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
- Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Bangor International Airport (BGR)
- Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
- Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Boise Airport (Boise Air Terminal) (Gowen Field) (BOI)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (Ryan Field) (BTR)
- Burlington International Airport (BTV)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (was Bob Hope Airport) (BUR)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Akron–Canton Airport (CAK)
- Charleston International Airport / Charleston AFB (CHS)
- The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Yeager Airport (CRW)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- El Paso International Airport (ELP)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport (Joe Foss Field) (FSD)
- Spokane International Airport (Geiger Field) (GEG)
- Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
- Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (Roger Milliken Field) (GSP)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Houston William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU)
- Westchester County Airport (HPN)
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (formerly Wichita Mid-Continent Airport) (ICT)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Clinton National Airport (Adams Field) (was Little Rock National) (LIT)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Minot International Airport (MOT)
- Dane County Regional Airport (Truax Field) (MSN)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
- Paine Field Airport (PAE)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD)
- Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Woodrum Field) (ROA)
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
- South Bend International Airport (was South Bend Regional) (SBN)
- Louisville International Airport (Standiford Field) (SDF)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF)
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
- San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan Airport) (SJU)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
- Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL
- Tucson International Airport (TUS)
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
New TSA Credential Authentication Technology ID Scanners - No Boarding Pass Required
Mar 2, 2020, 3:17 pm
#91
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 439
I’ve tried using my PIV card (federal employee ID card) with the new machines and have been asked for a different ID even though it’s valid for TSA purposes. Not sure what would’ve happened if I didn’t produce my drivers license at that point.
Mar 4, 2020, 3:33 pm
#92
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,966
I've had the issue again where my just-updated BP from being cleared onto an earlier SB has meant the machines can't automatically "Green" me as the systems haven't updated yet- but apparently now there's a mitigation in place where they can see all the flights you've got scheduled that day. They ask me my flight number (or destination, I forget) and I give 'em the old flight info and get approved then.
Mar 4, 2020, 6:30 pm
#93
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
There is always an alternative lane or process. It may just take a bit of time. They can scan the BP and check the ID the old-fashioned way at any checker, including non-Pre.
Mar 5, 2020, 10:02 pm
#94
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,638
Just encountered one of these for the first time at TPA A-gates, went to offer up my boarding pass and the TSO said you don't need that today. The TSO put my NEXUS card in the reader, took about 7-8 seconds before the machine produced a chime (seemingly a satisfied/OK/good tone).
Faster than a paper boarding pass where the TSO has to circle a few items with the pen? Maybe.
Faster than a digital boarding pass/ID check? Seemingly not. Although I'm not sure it matters - after the ID check the longer part of the line seemed to be carry-on bag scanning as far as a bottleneck.
Faster than a paper boarding pass where the TSO has to circle a few items with the pen? Maybe.
Faster than a digital boarding pass/ID check? Seemingly not. Although I'm not sure it matters - after the ID check the longer part of the line seemed to be carry-on bag scanning as far as a bottleneck.
Mar 5, 2020, 10:10 pm
#95
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,966
I only use my GE as ID when I fly and it does take longer than a DL (something the TDC will mention sometimes), but not normally by much (a few seconds, provided my info is in the system- see my post above about changes).
Jul 10, 2020, 12:55 pm
#96
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 204
I have not flown since February until this week. Never seen this technology before. But I believe it was in use at JAX, STL and DTW. STL for sure. I used my Drivers License at JAX and DTW but tried my Passport Card at STL and it was taken there just fine.
Jul 28, 2020, 3:22 pm
#98
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,634
New York TSA Checkpoints Are Using New ID Authentication Technology
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports in New York are utilizing new technology at passenger checkpoints that both verifies travelers’ identifications and confirms their flight details, in close-to-real time.
***
“In addition to enhancing detection capabilities for identifying fake IDs, the credential system is able to confirm a passenger’s flight status in near-real time through a secured connection,” said Robert Duffy, TSA’s Federal Security Director for LaGuardia Airport. At checkpoints, travelers hand their ID cards to a TSA officer for insertion into the CAT unit, which scans each card and indicates whether the ID is valid or not. In some places, units are positioned to allow passengers to insert their IDs themselves.
In most instances, travelers approaching the TSA travel document checking station don’t need to show their boarding passes because the CAT unit has already cleared them as prescreened for travel out of the airport on that day; although, those with ID issues or passengers under the age of 18 may be asked to present one.
***
CAT units have the ability to authenticate thousands of ID types, including passports, military common access cards, retired military ID cards, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler ID cards, uniformed services ID cards, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas, and driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments. Each unit... consists of a passport reader, ID card reader, Federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, stand and UV light.
***
***
“In addition to enhancing detection capabilities for identifying fake IDs, the credential system is able to confirm a passenger’s flight status in near-real time through a secured connection,” said Robert Duffy, TSA’s Federal Security Director for LaGuardia Airport. At checkpoints, travelers hand their ID cards to a TSA officer for insertion into the CAT unit, which scans each card and indicates whether the ID is valid or not. In some places, units are positioned to allow passengers to insert their IDs themselves.
In most instances, travelers approaching the TSA travel document checking station don’t need to show their boarding passes because the CAT unit has already cleared them as prescreened for travel out of the airport on that day; although, those with ID issues or passengers under the age of 18 may be asked to present one.
***
CAT units have the ability to authenticate thousands of ID types, including passports, military common access cards, retired military ID cards, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler ID cards, uniformed services ID cards, permanent resident cards, U.S. visas, and driver’s licenses and photo IDs issued by state motor vehicle departments. Each unit... consists of a passport reader, ID card reader, Federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, stand and UV light.
***
Sep 23, 2021, 6:10 am
#102
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: All The Programs
Posts: 2,204
ID Rejected by TSA Twice (but the third time was the charm)
I recently departed an airport that uses the ID-only check at TSA Pre. A gentleman in front of me got the 'bad' beep from the machine three times in a row, at which time the TSO said he had to go back to the airline's checkin counter. I also got the bad beep twice, but it worked the third time. I've never had this happen before.
I'm just curious - does anyone know how this system works? Is this a TSA issue? An airline issue? Something wrong with my ID (which, for the record, is less than a year old)?
I'm just curious - does anyone know how this system works? Is this a TSA issue? An airline issue? Something wrong with my ID (which, for the record, is less than a year old)?
Sep 23, 2021, 7:55 am
#103
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
I recently departed an airport that uses the ID-only check at TSA Pre. A gentleman in front of me got the 'bad' beep from the machine three times in a row, at which time the TSO said he had to go back to the airline's checkin counter. I also got the bad beep twice, but it worked the third time. I've never had this happen before.
I'm just curious - does anyone know how this system works? Is this a TSA issue? An airline issue? Something wrong with my ID (which, for the record, is less than a year old)?
I'm just curious - does anyone know how this system works? Is this a TSA issue? An airline issue? Something wrong with my ID (which, for the record, is less than a year old)?
Sep 23, 2021, 8:58 am
#104
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: All The Programs
Posts: 2,204
If the names on the ticket’s boarding pass doesn’t come across to the TSA upon scanning the ID, it’s presumed to not be an ID match for the ticketed booking’s passenger. That’s when the TSA practice is supposed to be to send such passengers back to the airline to get the ticketed booking adjusted to drive a sufficiently “exact name match” that the scanned ID doesn’t give a “no match” kind of indicator upon scanning the ID and trying to match against surveilled bookings (and their boarding passes) when the passenger returns (after the airline’s fix) for the TSA’s travel document check for the same flight.
I also don't understand why we're at a single-point of failure here. The guy in front of me had his boarding pass ready. The agent should have done a manual check before kicking him back to the airline check-in counter.
Sep 23, 2021, 12:10 pm
#105
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 439
One interesting data point is the scanners still don't recognize HSPD-12 PIV cards (AKA federal government employee ID cards) despite them being on the TSA list of acceptable IDs. Anytime I try to use mine at an airport that's using the scanners the TSO will ask me if I have another form of ID. No idea what would happen if I said no.