DFW Airport is one of six airports testing this new facial recognition tech
Coming back to Texas after an international trip can sometimes mean standing in long customs lines, even if you have Global Entry.
Now, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is testing a new system that could change how some travelers move through customs when they return to the United States.
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of several airports participating in the pilot program.
Its goal is to make the arrival process faster, but the changes won’t apply to everyone.
Here’s what travelers need to know.
What is the new Global Entry technology being tested at DFW Airport?
Under the new system, travelers can move through a designated lane where cameras capture their image for facial recognition verification instead of stopping at a kiosk before heading through customs.
A CBP officer can then review the traveler’s information and verify their identity before allowing them to continue through.
According to U.S. CBP, the system is designed to speed up the arrival process while maintaining security standards.
The pilot began at San Francisco International Airport in April and is now being tested at six airports across the country, including DFW Airport.
The program is expected to continue being tested through September 2026.
Will every Global Entry traveler be able to skip the kiosk?
While the technology is designed to reduce the need for kiosks, CBP says some travelers may still be directed to a kiosk or additional screening.
Because the program is still being tested, experiences may vary depending on operational needs and other factors at the time of arrival.
That means two travelers arriving at the same airport may not go through the exact same process.
For now, travelers should be prepared to follow directions from CBP officers when returning to the U.S.
