The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was recognized at Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards for its implementation of facial recognition technology at U.S. airports, according to an Oct. 22 press release. Announced that he has been selected as the Innovator of the Year. Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), a leading authority in luxury hospitality, highlighted the agency along with other 2024 honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
TSA was established on November 19, 2001 as an agile security agency in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. TSA’s mission within the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the nation’s transportation system and ensure the freedom of movement of people and commerce. Fraudulent identities and identity theft are emerging security threats. TSA significantly enhances security with second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners by comparing a live image of the passenger to the passenger’s credentials as travelers enter the screening process Optional facial recognition technology has been introduced at some airports. , improve traveler convenience while maintaining privacy protection and transparency. Recently, the U.S. Travel Association and Ipsos revealed that a majority of air travelers (80%) support using facial recognition technology to verify traveler identities at TSA security checkpoints. did.
“We are truly honored to be recognized for our dedication to bringing facial recognition technology to airport security checkpoints with the support of our partners in the travel and transportation industries,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. said. “Facial recognition technology is a critical element of our evolving security strategy, with 99.7% accuracy. We are prioritizing the protection of civil rights and privacy throughout its deployment, and we know there is strong public support for its use. This award is also a testament to our dedicated employees, whose commitment to security innovation helps us anticipate and respond quickly to evolving threats. We look forward to bringing the technology to approximately 440 federal airports, as it will improve security effectiveness, efficiency and the traveler experience.”
The Verified Air Travel Awards were determined by a survey of 5,000 of the most frequent travelers in the hospitality industry, including select luxury travel advisors, FTG’s Secret Jet Setting Screeners, and executive trainers. FTG, known for the integrity and objectivity of its 66-year-old Hospitality Star Ratings system, verified results across 22 categories. The winners will be celebrated at the Summit, FTG’s annual event dedicated to luxury brands and luxury travel, to be held in Monaco in February 2025.
“Forbes Travel Guide is proud to congratulate the inaugural recipients of the Verified Air Travel Awards,” said Hermann Elgar, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “These award winners represent the pinnacle of air travel, consistently exceeding expectations and setting new standards for service, innovation and passenger experience. Congratulations to the award winners on this well-deserved recognition.”
Editor’s note: To be clear, the Verified Air Travel Awards are not Forbes Travel Guide star ratings. FTG only awards 5-star, 4-star, and recommended ratings to hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships based on anonymous, direct inspections. The Verified Air Travel Awards are determined by an invitation-only survey of top travelers and verified by Forbes Travel Guide.
