DFW Airport Expands Facial Recognition Technology This Summer

Key Takeaways

• DFW Airport launched Enhanced Passenger Processing with facial recognition on June 6, 2025, improving international arrivals.
• Passengers can opt out; wait times dropped 25% for U.S. citizens and under 35 minutes for non-U.S. travelers.
• DFW invested $32 million to modernize security and partnered with airlines for smoother international connections.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has taken a major step forward in airport security and passenger convenience with the rollout of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a new system that uses facial recognition technology at international arrival checkpoints. This move, officially launched on June 6, 2025, marks a turning point in how travelers enter the United States 🇺🇸 through one of the country’s busiest airports. The changes are designed to make the process faster and smoother for millions of passengers, while still keeping strong security measures in place.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, airport staff, and the broader immigration landscape, using simple language and clear explanations.

What’s Happening at DFW Airport?

DFW Airport has joined a growing list of major U.S. airports that now use facial recognition for international arrivals. This technology, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is part of a larger effort to modernize airport operations and handle the rising number of international travelers. The Enhanced Passenger Processing system is a touchless, biometric process—meaning it uses unique physical features, in this case, your face, to confirm your identity.

How Does Facial Recognition Work at DFW?

The process is straightforward and designed to be as quick as possible:

1. Approach the Camera: When you arrive at the passport checkpoint, you’ll see a tablet with a camera.
2. Photo Capture: The system takes a live photo of your face.
3. Identity Check: The system compares your photo to images already held in government records, such as your passport or visa photo.
4. Proceed or Review: If the system finds a match, you’re cleared to continue. If not, a CBP officer will review your documents and may ask you a few questions.

CBP officers are always present and have the final say on whether someone can enter the United States 🇺🇸. The technology helps speed up the process, but it doesn’t replace the human judgment of trained officers.

Why Is DFW Making This Change Now?

DFW Airport has seen a huge increase in international travel over the past decade—more than 25% growth. The airport expects to serve nearly seven million international passengers each year by 2030. With so many people coming and going, the old ways of checking passports and visas were causing long lines and delays.

By investing over $32 million in new technology, DFW aims to:

• Reduce wait times: U.S. citizens now spend about 25% less time at passport control. For non-U.S. travelers, the average wait has dropped from about 50 minutes to under 35 minutes.
• Improve security: Facial recognition makes it harder for someone to use a fake passport or someone else’s identity.
• Handle more passengers: As more people travel internationally, the airport needs systems that can keep up without sacrificing safety.

How Does This Fit Into the Bigger Picture?

DFW’s move is part of a national trend. Across the United States 🇺🇸, airports are adopting facial recognition and other biometric tools to make travel easier and safer. Here’s what’s happening nationwide:

• CBP uses facial recognition at 238 airports for both arrivals and departures.
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has brought facial recognition to 84 airports as of December 2024, with plans to expand to all 400+ federalized airports.
• American Airlines has been testing biometric bag drop since 2020, letting travelers check bags without showing a physical ID.

These changes are not just about speed—they’re also about preparing for the future, where more people will be flying and security threats may change.

Partnerships and New Programs

DFW’s main airline, American Airlines, is leading the way in using new technology. The airline has teamed up with CBP, TSA, and authorities in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 for a special program called “One Stop Security.” This pilot program lets U.S. passengers flying from DFW to London Heathrow, and then on to other international destinations, skip extra security checks and bag re-checks at Heathrow. This saves time and makes international connections much less stressful.

Chris McLaughlin, DFW Airport’s CEO, said, “DFW will be one of the first airports to pilot this concept, which has the potential to serve as a national model for efficient, secure and passenger-friendly airport transfers.”

What About Privacy?

While many travelers welcome the faster lines and easier process, some people are worried about privacy. Facial recognition means the government is collecting and using images of people’s faces, which raises questions about how this data is stored and shared.

To address these concerns:

• A U.S. Senate bill introduced in May 2025 would ban the government from keeping or sharing facial recognition data and require that travelers must choose to use the system (opt-in) instead of being automatically included.
• Travelers can opt out of facial recognition at DFW. If you don’t want your face scanned, you can use the regular passport check or, if you’re enrolled, the Global Entry program.
• TSA has confirmed that travelers who say no to facial recognition will get an alternative ID check by a TSA officer. You won’t be punished or delayed for opting out.

These steps are meant to balance the benefits of new technology with the right to privacy.

Regulatory Changes Coming Soon

The expansion of facial recognition at DFW and other airports comes just before a big change in U.S. travel rules. Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers will need to show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved ID to board flights. This rule comes from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was passed after the September 11 attacks to make it harder for people to use fake IDs.

If you’re not sure if your ID is Real ID-compliant, you can check the official DHS Real ID page for more information.

What Do the Experts Say?

Airport and airline leaders, as well as government officials, have all spoken about the importance of these changes:

• Kriste Jordan Smith, TSA’s Federal Security Director for DFW, said, “The top ten highest travel days in TSA history have all happened within the past year and we expect to see more heavy volumes this summer.”
• Jim Moses, American Airlines senior vice president, explained, “It’s more important than ever that we invest in enhanced technology that makes travel easier for our customers to navigate while preserving the security of air travel.”
• Diane Sabatino, CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner, called the EPP system “one of our most exciting advancements,” pointing out its benefits for both efficiency and security.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these improvements are especially important as the summer of 2025 is expected to be the busiest travel season ever at U.S. airports.

How Does This Affect Different Groups?

Let’s look at how these changes impact various people who use DFW Airport:

For International Travelers:
– Faster processing: Most people will spend less time in line at passport control.
– Simple process: Just look at the camera and wait for the system to confirm your identity.
– Choice: If you don’t want to use facial recognition, you can still go through the regular process.

For U.S. Citizens:
– Shorter wait times: The new system has already cut wait times by about 25%.
– Global Entry users: If you’re enrolled in Global Entry, you can use those kiosks for even faster entry.

For Non-U.S. Travelers:
– Quicker screening: The average wait has dropped from about 50 minutes to under 35 minutes.
– Extra checks if needed: If the system doesn’t find a match, a CBP officer will help you.

For Airport Staff and Security:
– More efficient workflow: Officers can focus on cases that need more attention, rather than routine checks.
– Better security: It’s harder for someone to use a fake ID or passport.

For Privacy Advocates:
– Ongoing concerns: There are still debates about how facial data is used and stored.
– Opt-out options: The law requires that travelers can say no to facial recognition without being delayed.

For Airlines:
– Smoother connections: Programs like “One Stop Security” make it easier for passengers to connect to international flights.
– Better customer experience: Faster processing means happier travelers.

What Are the Main Benefits of Enhanced Passenger Processing?

• Speed: The biggest benefit is faster processing at passport control, which means less waiting and less stress.
• Security: Facial recognition makes it much harder for someone to use a stolen or fake passport.
• Convenience: The process is touchless and simple—just look at the camera and go.
• Flexibility: Travelers can choose not to use facial recognition and still get through the airport without problems.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

• Privacy worries: Some people are uncomfortable with their face being scanned and stored, even if the government says it won’t keep the data.
• Technical glitches: Like any new technology, there can be hiccups. If the system doesn’t recognize you, you’ll need to see an officer, which could take extra time.
• Learning curve: Some travelers, especially older adults or those not comfortable with technology, may find the new process confusing at first.

What Should Travelers Do to Prepare?

If you’re flying internationally through DFW this summer or in the future, here are some tips:

• Check your documents: Make sure your passport is valid and, if you’re a U.S. citizen, that your driver’s license or ID is Real ID-compliant by May 7, 2025.
• Know your options: If you’re not comfortable with facial recognition, you can ask for a manual check.
• Consider Global Entry: If you travel often, enrolling in Global Entry can make re-entry even faster. You can find more information and apply on the CBP Global Entry page.
• Arrive early: Even with faster processing, summer is a busy time. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and passport control.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for DFW and U.S. Airports?

DFW’s investment in facial recognition and Enhanced Passenger Processing is just the beginning. As more airports adopt these systems, travelers can expect:

• Even faster processing: As the technology improves, lines should get even shorter.
• Wider use: Facial recognition may soon be used for bag drops, boarding, and even security checks.
• More choices: Laws and regulations will likely continue to give travelers the right to opt out and protect their privacy.

The goal is to create an airport experience that is both safe and convenient, without making travelers feel uncomfortable or rushed.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for the Future of Travel?

The expansion of facial recognition at DFW Airport is a sign of how technology is changing the way we travel. By making the process faster and more secure, DFW is setting a new standard for airports across the United States 🇺🇸. At the same time, the airport and government agencies are working to make sure that privacy and choice remain at the center of these changes.

For travelers, the message is clear: be prepared for new technology, know your rights, and enjoy the benefits of a smoother, safer airport experience. As more airports follow DFW’s lead, these changes will likely become the new normal for international travel in the years ahead.

For more information about how facial recognition is being used at airports and your rights as a traveler, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official biometrics page.

By staying informed and understanding your options, you can make your next trip through DFW Airport—and any other airport using facial recognition—less stressful and more enjoyable.

Learn Today

Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) → A biometric system using facial recognition to verify international travelers’ identities quickly and securely at airports.
Facial Recognition → Technology that compares a passenger’s live face image with stored government records for identity verification.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → The federal agency managing borders and immigration, responsible for airport passenger inspections and security.
Global Entry → A trusted traveler program allowing expedited customs processing for pre-approved U.S. and international travelers.
Real ID Act → A 2005 U.S. law requiring secure, federally approved identification for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

This Article in a Nutshell

DFW Airport introduced a facial recognition system to speed international arrivals, cutting wait times and boosting security. Travelers may opt out, preserving privacy. The $32 million investment improves efficiency as international traffic grows, positioning DFW as a model for future U.S. airport security and passenger processing advancements.
— By VisaVerge.com