Imagine this situation: you've been standing in a long security line at the airport, and when you finally reach the front, you realize that you've lost your boarding pass. You start to panic, wondering if you put it in your luggage or left it at the ticket counter. But now, some airports have a new program that can help you avoid these frustrating scenarios. Here's why the TSA no longer requires certain travelers to show their boarding passes at security checkpoints, and how you can benefit from this new feature.
So how does CAT change the way we fly?
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Understanding Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)
Many US airports have a new security system called Credential Authentication Technology (CAT). This system allows passengers to go through security without showing their boarding pass. All you need to do is show the TSA agent your photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, passport card, Global Entry card, permanent resident card, or other government-issued ID. (Keep in mind that starting on May 7th, 2025, your driver's license will need to be Real ID-compliant for domestic air travel.) The agent will put your ID into the CAT unit, which scans and checks that it's authentic.
Each CAT unit is connected to the airport's "Secure Flight" database. This online database has all the details for every passenger booked to fly that day. The database tells the agent if you have a valid ticket. If you don't have a valid ticket, the database will let the security officer know. CAT units can also see if you have TSA PreCheck. This means you don't have to worry about carrying multiple travel documents. Just have your ID ready at the checkpoint, and you'll be all set.
Where can I find Credential Authentication Technology?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as of mid-2024, there are 228 airports that have CAT units on-site. This number is expected to continue growing as more machines are installed. Unfortunately, the TSA no longer provides a public list of these locations on their website so it may be a good idea to contact the airport beforehand to check if they have this technology available.
Many of the busiest airports across the country have already started using CAT. This includes major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in NYC. Even remote airports, such as Anchorage, Alaska, have adopted this technology. However, it's important to note that the CAT system may not be available at all security checkpoints within an airport, and you may be asked to show your boarding pass if the system isn't working.
Why do physical passes still matter?
While the Credential Authentication Technology makes going through security really easy, you'll still need to get your boarding pass when you check in with the airline. Once you get to the gate, make sure you have your boarding pass, either on paper or on your phone, ready to scan before you board the plane. It may seem a little odd that you need a boarding pass in some parts of the airport but not others, but that's because the airlines don't have access to the same CAT units that the TSA uses. This extra check-in process is just an extra step to make sure everyone is getting on the right plane.
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