Summary:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport deploys Enhanced Passenger Processing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to streamline international arrivals using biometrics.
- Touchless, enrolment-free process for U.S. citizens reduces processing time and enhances security through facial recognition.
- Part of a wider digital passenger journey strategy including biometric security, eGates and reservation-based screening.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to make the travel experience more efficient and convenient with the implementation of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). This initiative provides travellers with a quicker way to move through the international arrivals process.
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the 23rd airport to offer this free service. EPP is a voluntary process for U.S. citizens. No prior enrolment is required. Travellers simply arrive at the CBP inspection area where a camera matches their photo to the document information CBP already has on file. The seamless, touchless process only takes seconds, further reducing the time spent at the CBP arrival area, enhancing security by allowing the officer to focus on the travel.
“This initiative is the result of the strong collaboration between our Technology and Operations teams, the airlines, and CBP,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to grow its international travel market, and this exceptional new program is yet another way we reinforce our brand of being ‘America’s Friendliest Airport’.”
This is one of several services available at PHX to expedite travel. Other enhancements include:
- TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, available in both terminals, uses facial recognition technology to verify travellers’ identities so they can move through security without showing a physical ID. This is an opt-in program through their airline.
- CLEAR+ members also have the option to use new eGates which uses biometric verification to confirm identity.
- For those without TSA PreCheck, Phoenix Sky Harbor offers PHX RESERVE which provides travellers with an opportunity to reserve a time to go through the TSA security checkpoint line and avoid the wait.
- For those traveling internationally, biometric exit is also available. This CBP program uses facial recognition to verify the identity of departing passengers and helps to quickly process travellers boarding flights.
- In February, Early Bag Check returned to PHX. This free and convenient service allows travellers to travel lighter and more easily on the PHX Sky Train by checking their bags before they get to the terminal. The service is available at the Rental Car Center and East Economy parking for select domestic airlines.
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