Do you ever get off a long flight, all you want is to get home, maybe grab a slice or finally sleep in your own bed — but you’re stuck in a never-ending line at customs?
If you're like many of my neighbors here in Queens who travel often — whether to visit family, for business, or just for a much-needed vacation — there's something new at JFK you should know about.
American Airlines just rolled out a facial recognition system that promises to get U.S. citizens through customs way faster. It's called Enhanced Passenger Processing, or EPP for short. I know it sounds like something from the future, but it's real, and it’s already being used.
What’s This New System All About?
This new system uses your face as your ID. It checks your face with your passport photo in a secure government database — all in just a few seconds.
Here’s how it works:
Works without requiring pre-enrollment
No need to hand over your passport (though always bring it just in case)
Your face is the ID — the system checks if it matches your stored passport photo
U.S. citizens only, for now — about 45% of travelers at JFK’s Terminal 8 qualify
It’s fast. I mean, they’re saying it cuts wait time in half. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever stood in line with jet lag and cranky kids.
Do You Have to Sign Up?
Nope, that’s the nice part.
Unlike the Global Entry Program — which is great but requires applying and an interview — EPP doesn’t need pre-enrollment. If you’re a U.S. citizen and land at JFK’s Terminal 8, you can use it.
If you’re not feeling it? You can still go through the usual passport line. Nothing's mandatory.
Why Are They Doing This?
From what I understand, it’s all about making things easier, faster, and safer for everyone — especially now that more people are traveling again.
They want to:
Shorten the waiting time
Have less face-to-face contact
Help airport staff do their jobs more easily
Keep security strong
And to be honest, they’re also trying to keep up with other big airports around the world that already use this kind of technology.
What About Privacy?
Some people are excited about new tech at airports, but not everyone feels the same. Let’s be real—anytime something scans your face, people have questions. And that’s okay.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) says the system is safe:
Photos of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours.
It’s only used for customs screening, not for spying or immigration enforcement.
If you're not comfortable, you can skip it and go through the regular passport line.
Still, not everyone feels good about it. Privacy groups like the ACLU are calling for transparency. They’re concerned that the data could be shared with other agencies, like ICE, or fall into the wrong hands. And they’re right to ask questions.
At the end of the day, it’s smart to stay informed. Technology changes fast, and we all deserve to know how it affects us, especially here in Queens, where so many people travel and rely on strong privacy and safety.
How This Impacts Everyday Travelers in Queens
Queens is one of the most connected places in the country. Many of us travel — to visit family, for work, or for school. Whether you're coming back from a trip or just visited cousins overseas, changes like these affect real people in our borough.
Here’s what it means practically:
You might get home faster after a trip
You can choose to use the new system or stay with the old one.
It's good to stay updated, especially as this technology grows.
Changes in travel systems may seem small, but they matter — especially in a place like Queens, where people are always coming and going.
What Airports Have to Do With Your Next Move
I may not work at the airport, but as a realtor helping people move in and out of Queens every day, I always keep an eye on what’s happening.
Things like airport changes can affect your daily travel, lifestyle, and even how you choose your home.
So the next time you pass through the airport easily, now you’ll know why.
If you’re thinking about moving to or from Queens, or just have questions about life here, I’m always here to help. Feel free to give me a call or let’s talk anytime.