Recently on the Global Traveler site, Megan Hill wrote “Most U.S. Airports Will See Facial Recognition Technology,” about the use of biometric exit technology in almost all commercial airports. The plan received some negative feedback; but although it is not widely advertised, people can opt out.

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According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site, U.S. citizens can opt out at the time of the scan by telling the airline staffer. Your passport or boarding pass will then be manually checked. There may or may not be opt-out signs posted, and you might have to opt out several times throughout the airport and on to the plane.

Unfortunately for travelers, regardless of signage, the onus is on them if they do not want to use facial recognition. They need to be vigilant, patient and ready to face potential confusion. In addition to the system being new, three agencies are involved. The CBP, Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration all will have checkpoints for varying reasons. Private companies, such as car rentals and hotels, might be next to implement this biometric technology.

Homeland Security once balked at Americans having the right to refuse. Things changed, and U.S. citizens now have that right. Because it is an ever-changing system, travelers must stay current with the rules.

— John Wroblewski, online writer