Major U.S. airlines and travel industry groups are pushing back against proposed Senate legislation that would place new restrictions on facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints. Industry stakeholders argue that the proposed rules could disrupt airport operations and lead to significantly longer wait times for travelers nationwide.
Senate Bill Faces Industry Resistance
The legislation in question, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, is currently being reviewed by the Senate Commerce Committee. Sponsored by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), the bill would prohibit mandatory use of facial recognition technology for identity verification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It also requires the TSA to offer non-biometric alternatives and ensure that travelers who opt out are not penalized or delayed.
Industry opposition has been led by Airlines for America—which represents carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest—as well as U.S. Travel and multiple airport associations. In a joint letter to lawmakers, the groups warned that the bill could “increase wait times considerably by slowing down identity verification at every airport security checkpoint,” potentially overwhelming airport staff and frustrating passengers.
The letter also warned that restricting TSA’s ability to deploy biometric systems could “create an overwhelming and chaotic environment at every airport security check.” These concerns come as facial recognition continues to roll out across major U.S. airports. American Airlines recently launched touchless ID systems for TSA PreCheck passengers at four major hubs—Washington National (DCA), LaGuardia (LGA), Atlanta (ATL), and Salt Lake City (SLC). Similarly, Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport began using facial recognition for international arrivals in June 2025 as part of CBP’s Enhanced Passenger Processing initiative.
Balancing Innovation with Privacy
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Merkley, argue that current TSA practices rely too heavily on facial recognition, often without informing travelers of their rights to opt out. “Folks don’t want a national surveillance state,” Merkley said during a May press briefing. The legislation, he and other supporters argue, would restore transparency and ensure that biometric programs operate on a strictly voluntary basis.
Privacy advocates have echoed these concerns, pointing to risks associated with biometric data retention, misuse, and potential security breaches. They argue that clear consent and robust data protections are essential if biometric technologies are to be used in public-sector environments. The current debate mirrors earlier controversies, such as Customs and Border Protection’s decision in 2019 to abandon plans for mandatory facial scans of U.S. citizens following public backlash and scrutiny from civil liberties groups.
Notably, the proposed legislation would not eliminate facial recognition from airport screening entirely. Instead, it seeks to impose tighter guardrails on its use and guarantee that traditional forms of ID remain available without additional hassle.
Sources: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Arab Times, TradingView
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By Ji-seo Kim
