Travelers Can Register Data, Fly Past Security

By Anna Marie Kukec

Orlando International Airport has it. O’Hare and Midway international airports in Chicago are seeking it.

What? The Registered Traveler program, where passengers can quickly pass through security checkpoints if they already have their biographical and biometric data stored in a special security system.

The software for the system was developed by Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc. (www.motorola.com).

Motorola provides communication technologies that include identity management biometric solutions and Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems to help government and other groups accurately identify individuals.

Motorola also sells biometric solutions to law enforcement and other agencies. It has installed systems in 300 agencies worldwide, including Cook County Sheriff’s Department the Chicago Police Department.

At the airports, passengers who use the Registered Traveler carry smart cards that store their fingerprint and iris biometric information.

They have their information stored on the card, which is compared to the person’s own fingerprint or iris scan, said Motorola spokesman Anthony Esquivel.

“It is anticipated that business travelers and other frequent fliers will be the heaviest users of the program,” said Esquivel.

Passengers pay an $80 fee and must be willing to submit to a security check, he said.

Before anyone can get a smart card, his or her biometric data will be compared to existing data through a wide-ranging search to check if that person has already joined the Registered Traveler program under a different name, he said.

While the airport program offers faster security check-ins, it’s not favored by everyone.

“Registered Traveler doesn’t offer significant benefits to airline customers and we remain concerned that it will continue to divert limited Transportation Security Administration resources away from other important programs,” said Air Transport Association spokeswoman Victoria Day.

Last year, the Department of Aviation filed an application with the Transportation Security Administration for O’Hare and Midway to be considered among the 20 pilot airports to launch Registered Traveler, said O’Hare spokeswoman Wendy Abrams.

“We think Registered Traveler is an interesting concept,” said Abrams.

“However, we have yet to determine whether the benefits to both travelers and the airports will outweigh the physical changes and potential disruptions that may take place if we decide to move forward with this program.”

She said they’re still evaluating if and how Registered Traveler will improve security, expedite security processing and reduce passenger inconvenience.

“Until then, the Department if Aviation will continue to meet with prospective service providers and the airlines to discuss implementation of an Registered Traveler program at Chicago’s airports,” Abrams said.

akukec@@dailyherald.com

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