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If you’ve ever shuffled off a long-haul flight at JFK only to face a winding line for passport control, relief may finally be on the way. A new biometric screening system is coming to the airport’s soon-to-open New Terminal One and promises to turn the dreaded arrivals slog into a literal “glance and go” moment.
The technology, called Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), is being rolled out through a partnership between the New Terminal One, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and biometric identity company iProov. Instead of pulling out documents or waiting for manual checks, eligible U.S. citizens will have their live image matched against the passport photo already on file, allowing them to move through inspections in seconds. There’s no enrollment, no fee and no extra apps required.
That’s a notable shift from programs like Global Entry, which require a background check and a $100 application fee. Here, participation is automatic for U.S. citizens unless you choose to opt out and use the standard inspection process.
“We are delighted to be powering the launch of EPP at New Terminal One,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO of iProov, in a statement. “Travelers are crossing the border in a few seconds, without needing to wait in long lines or fumble for documentation.”
While the rollout sounds futuristic, some travelers may already be familiar with the concept. American Airlines began using EPP at JFK’s Terminal 8 last year and officials say the expanded deployment at New Terminal One will bring that faster, touchless experience to a much larger share of international arrivals.
The system is also designed with accessibility in mind, since families can be processed together and travelers using wheelchairs can move through the same expedited flow without extra steps.
The upgrade is part of JFK’s intensive $19 billion redevelopment plan, which aims to transform the airport into a more modern global gateway. When complete, New Terminal One will span roughly 2.6 million square feet and host more than 20 international carriers, including Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways and Korean Air. The first phase, which includes a new arrivals hall and 14 gates, is expected to open later this year.
While the new service will be fast, it’s also efficient for the CBP. According to Francis J. Russo, CBP's New York field office director, the technology helps officers verify identities faster and focus their attention where it’s needed most, “enabling officers to focus more time and attention on higher-risk travelers.”
All that to mean less waiting around after a red-eye and more time getting home—or at least grabbing that first bodega coffee.