Johanna Jainchill
I've long been a believer in biometric technology. But a four-day trip involving two airports and two days at Universal Orlando made me think it's more than a convenience: it's a luxury.
At the parks, once our tickets were scanned for the first time, my family barely had to think about them again. We were able to go in and out by looking at a camera. The same was true at the Express ride entrances where the sensors recognized us, flashing green before we even had a chance to reach into my fanny pack for the tickets.
That type of speed and convenience is addictive, especially when it allows for more time spent on rides. Anyone who uses Clear or the TSA Touchless ID security already knows the value of biometrics at airports, where it means much less time in line and, for me, being able to arrive later at the airport. With Touchless ID, I can get from the curb through security in less than five minutes at Newark Airport, without having to fish around for my ID.
Luxury is one of those terms that has become so overused in travel, it's lost a lot of meaning. I like to think it's become personal; each person knows what luxury means for them, whether it's the size of a room, a view, an exclusive experience. But especially since the pandemic, the value of time spent with friends and family is more widely embraced as the ultimate luxury. And every minute spent waiting in a queue or worrying about finding your tickets are minutes not spent enjoying the trip and the people on it with you.
I know the privacy debate surrounding biometrics and facial recognition technology, and I understand why some travelers aren't comfortable with it.
Personally, I'm fine with it. Between the dozens of apps of my phone, my bank, online retailers, loyalty programs, etc., I've already entrusted companies with enormous amounts of personal information. Allowing the TSA, a cruise line or a theme park to verify my identity with my face feels like a worthwhile trade-off for less time in line and more time having fun.
An important point is that these programs generally remain optional. Travelers who don't want to participate shouldn't have to. But those of us who do shouldn't have to wait decades for the technology to become commonplace.
At a Homeland Security subcommittee hearing last year, TSA administrator David Pekoske testified that at current funding levels it could take well into the 2040s to complete the agency's rollout of biometric passenger screening technology.
That's unfortunate, because data suggests travelers are increasingly embracing the promise of biometrics. According to IATA's 2025 Global Passenger Survey, 85% of passengers who have used biometrics report satisfaction with the experience, and nearly three-quarters of travelers say they're willing to share biometric information if it means bypassing traditional queues.
The cruise industry is also finding success with biometric technology. Amadeus said it set out to "completely transform the embarkation process with the cruise industry's first end-to-end biometric experience" at MSC's Miami Cruise Terminal.
Amadeus said that MSC reduced embarkation time by 50% with biometric technology at the terminal, which is North America's largest, serving up to 36,000 guests daily. Its technology enables MSC guests to check in remotely from home or any other location using the MSC app. And passengers can enroll in its biometric facial recognition program "from the comfort of their sofa."
For travelers, that kind of time saving and friction reduction means more time to enjoy themselves. And it benefits airlines, airports, attractions and government agencies as they grapple with labor shortages and rising operating costs.
Biometric technology also enhances security. U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman, who has been an enthusiastic proponent of the technology, said that in 2025 alone, the use of automated biometric technology reduced airport arrival wait times by 70% and saved CBP officers more than 300,000 hours. That time and attention, he said, "was redirected toward screening of unknown or higher risk travelers."
When I asked him last year if the Trump administration supported the biometric advancements U.S. Travel has lobbied for, he told me, "Biometrics are 99% accurate. Your plastic driver's license is maybe 70% accurate. That's a degree of risk that I don't think any administration wants to take if there is an alternative."
I hope I'll eventually experience fully digital journeys, from bag drop and security and boarding at the airport to hotel and cruise check-in. And that's not because I think human interaction should be eliminated from the travel experience. It's because it means humans will have more time for meaningful conversations with guests about where to eat, the best hiking trails, under-the-radar cruise ship activities and the most thrilling roller coasters.
That kind of meaningful person-to- person interaction is time much better spent than confirming my identity or taking a credit card.