Chicago, IL — Facial recognition – a computer’s ability to recognize one’s face and compare it with databases of faces – has been the focus of the technology industry recently. American airline JetBlue has taken on the task of incorporating this technology in order to streamline the (sometimes lengthy) process of boarding.

Within June, the airline plans to set up kiosks in the gate areas for flights between Boston and Aruba. These kiosks will have a camera that stores the user’s photo taken before boarding, compares it to the United States Customs database for matches, and then either allow or deny the passenger boarding.

Passengers boarding a JetBlue aircraft. (Image: Time)

JetBlue will be working with SITA, a tech company, to develop the software and equipment required in order to quickly and securely allow their customers to board their planes. SITA will be the only company that will have access to the photos taken at the kiosk, however, assures customers they will not be stored.

While JetBlue is the first company attempting to streamline the boarding process using facial recognition, Delta Air Lines will soon begin using the concept to allow customers quick access to checking in their own bags.

(Featured Image: KLM)