New technology would let PreCheck travelers keep ID and boarding pass in pocket
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Overview
Updated 1 hour agoTSA Administrator David Cummins says Logan Airport will get e-gates with facial comparison technology. PreCheck travelers could keep their driver's license and boarding pass in their pocket and walk through security. The agency hasn't said when.
The change is part of TSA's Horizon 25 Strategy. It also includes 3D bag scanners that 'digitally unpack' luggage and walk-through body scanners that don't require the hands-up pose. A separate pilot now lets non-travelers accompany passengers to the gate at 13 airports — a practice barred since the September 11 attacks.
Why it matters
If the rollout proceeds, your face becomes your boarding pass at Logan — the post-9/11 ritual of showing ID at security starts to disappear.
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
Federal agency responsible for airport security, created after the September 11 attacks.
Public authority that operates Logan International Airport and other Massachusetts transportation facilities.
Timeline
November 2001 September 2026
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Cummins announces e-gates and new scanners for Logan
Today AnnouncementTSA administrator says Logan will get facial comparison e-gates, 3D bag scanners, and walk-through body scanners. No timeline given.
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David Cummins sworn in as TSA administrator
LeadershipCummins becomes TSA's eighth administrator, pledging to modernize airport security.
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Remote screening pilot launches at Framingham
Pilot ProgramTSA and Massport open a remote screening terminal in Framingham for Logan passengers on JetBlue and Delta.
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TSA created after 9/11 attacks
FoundingCongress creates TSA to federalize airport security after the September 11 attacks.
Historical Context
3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
Post-9/11 Security Overhaul (2001-2002)
After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. created TSA and federalized airport security. Passengers faced new ID checks, shoe removal, and restrictions on liquids and sharp objects.
Airport security became a federal function with standardized screening procedures.
The post-9/11 security regime became the baseline for air travel for 25 years.
The e-gate rollout represents the first major shift away from the document-check regime established after 9/11.
Body Scanner Introduction (2010)
After the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt, TSA deployed full-body scanners at U.S. airports. The machines sparked privacy concerns and protests over 'virtual strip searches.'
TSA installed hundreds of body scanners and modified software to address privacy concerns.
Body scanners became standard at U.S. airports, and the privacy debate set a precedent for biometric screening.
The walk-through body scanners and facial comparison e-gates are the next generation of the same technology debate.
E-Gates in Other Countries (2000s-present)
The UK, Australia, and other countries deployed biometric e-gates for passport control, letting travelers scan their face or passport to enter without an officer.
E-gates reduced wait times at border control in participating countries.
Biometric border screening became the global standard, with the U.S. now catching up.
The U.S. is adopting technology that has been standard in other countries for years, but with added complexity from TSA's layered security model.
