Biometrics is not a new concept, but its use by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) across an increasing number of airports in the United States is causing mixed reactions. Facial recognition software is becoming the norm at many major U.S. airports (more than 250 so far, according to the TSA, with more on the way), and not every traveler is on board. The signs alerting passengers to the TSA's biometric scan are, apparently, unclear, causing confusion and distrust among frequent travelers in some cases. Airport security can be stressful in itself, and now both TSA employees and travelers are sharing the same complaints about the use of somewhat invasive scans, the way they're communicated, and the process of opting out and not being allowed to (which, in 2025, sparked a whole investigation into the TSA by Congress). Facial Scan Signs At Hundreds Of U.S. Airports Create A Pattern Of Complaints The opinions about facial recognition software are overwhelmingly mixed. Even so, pressure from lawmakers is causing TSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to update airport technology, and biometrics seems to be the answer. To communicate this gradually rolling-out addition at airports, passengers are increasingly seeing signs pop up at TSA checkpoints, which indicate that facial recognition is in process—but that passengers can also opt out if they so desire. Therein lies travelers', as well as some TSA employees', pattern of complaints; reportedly, those signs cause some confusion on both sides. One TSA officer said that passengers often hand over their ID and avoid the camera, without informing them that they want to opt out of the facial scan. "The most consistently annoying thing is people just assuming we know they want to opt out. Just walk up and say, 'I’d like to opt out of the photo,'"