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Jan 22, 2007 7:09 pm US/Central
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San Jose Int'l Airport Unveils New Security Kiosks
SAN JOSE, Calif. (CBS) ―
On Tuesday, Mineta San Jose International Airport will be the fourth in the country and the first on the west coast to let pre-registered travelers cut to the front of sometimes long security lines.
"The greatest benefit of this program is predictability," said Rich Dressler, Mineta San Jose International Airport Spokesman. "The fact that whenever you come to the airport to catch a flight, whatever day, whatever time, you will be able to clear the security checkpoint within minutes."
General Electric's homeland security division developed airport security kiosks in Newark.
By the end of the week they'll be at five airports across the country.
Iris scans or fingerprint readings will identify who's flying.
Within a year, the kiosks will also be able to scan shoes for explosives or metal, which could mean no standing in line in socks.
And a passenger's fingertips would be scanned for explosives, which could mean not having to take off jackets and sweaters.
"Rather than have somebody check your ID and compare it to the boarding pass, instead you're in a lane that's primarily business travelers less people," said Dennis Cooke, GE Homeland Protection President.
Pre-registered travelers still have to go through standard TSA screening and follow all the no-gel, no-liquid rules.
The trick is that they get to the front of the line more quickly.
There are other airports looking to get in board with this high-tech system including LAX and the airports in Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)