MCO Trials Facial Tech for Global Flights

Introduction to the Biometric Pilot Program

Travelers departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for international destinations might soon experience a new way of boarding their flights. Instead of the traditional process involving passports and boarding passes, they will go through a biometric facial recognition screening. This initiative is part of a 90-day pilot program aimed at streamlining the boarding process and improving travel efficiency.

With over 57 million passengers expected to pass through MCO this year, the airport is looking to implement technology that can handle the growing demand. Approximately 15% of these travelers are heading to international locations, which has prompted the need for more advanced systems.

How the Technology Works

The biometric system is designed to be seamless and contactless. Travelers simply walk through a corridor equipped with cameras that capture a live photo. This image is then matched against federal records to verify identity. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers monitor the process on screens.

According to Meaghan Mackey, WESH 2’s First Warning traffic expert, the system eliminates the need for travelers to stop at the gate counter or pull out documents. “Instead of waiting in long lines and having to pull out documents, the biometric system takes a photo without the traveler having to do anything,” she explained.

Efficiency and Time Savings

For airports handling tens of thousands of passengers daily, even small time savings can have a significant impact. Diane Sabatino from U.S. Customs and Border Protection emphasized the importance of seconds in the boarding process. “Seconds matter,” she said. “When you think about just a couple seconds they don’t have to grab their passport, put their bags down, move things — this is important to the efficiency of the entire process.”

Accuracy and Security Measures

MCO is collaborating with three biometric technology companies as part of the trial. One of them, iProov, uses artificial intelligence combined with motion-based sensors to confirm identity while protecting personal privacy. Dominic Forrest, chief technology officer at iProov, stated, “This is a tool that makes their job both easier and more accurate so they do a better job.”

Another company involved, Aware Inc., highlights that passengers are not sharing additional sensitive information. Ajay Amlani, CEO of Aware Inc., noted, “You wear your face everywhere you go. All you’re sharing is your face — not your mother’s maiden name, Social Security number, home address, or anything else. That makes biometrics inherently a privacy-preserving technology.”

Expansion of Biometric Boarding

So far, MCO has installed biometric facial recognition equipment at 65 of its 113 gates, with plans for further expansion. Airport officials believe the technology aligns with their goals of innovation, safety, and efficiency as Central Florida’s population and travel demand continue to grow.

Opting Out of the System

Although the biometric system is available to all international travelers, participation is optional. U.S. citizens may request a manual ID check instead, though this may result in longer wait times. Meaghan Mackey noted, “U.S. travelers are allowed to opt out of the biometric system and request a manual ID check. But they should expect a longer wait time if they choose to do so.”

MCO will evaluate the results of the 90-day pilot before deciding on future expansions of the technology.