TSA Testing New Automated Security Screening Technology in Charlotte

Updated: June 11, 2026, 5:11pm CDT

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TSA Trials e-Gates in Charlotte
Final Thoughts

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is trialing new technology to speed up security screening times and increase automation with new “e-Gates” at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Here’s what you need to know about the TSA’s new e-Gates.

TSA Trials e-Gates in Charlotte

The TSA has installed 8 automated e-Gates at security checkpoint 2 in Charlotte (CLT) for TSA PreCheck members.

The setup and process are similar to what you may have experienced at airports abroad. Passengers with TSA PreCheck approach the e-Gate and scan their own driver’s license, instead of handing it to a TSA agent.

Then, the system takes a photo and compares it to the photo on your ID. If it’s accepted — and other details, such as boarding-pass validity, are verified — passengers can then pass through the gates and proceed to the rest of the screening process. Note that passports and other valid forms of identification are also accepted.

TSA e Gates CLT — The new TSA e-Gates automate ID verification. Image Credit: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Remember that this is just a trial period, and Charlotte is the first airport in the nation to test out the new technology. The trial is expected to last through July, and the aim is to assess how well this system works and if it could be rolled out to more airports nationwide.

“CLT has invested in our security checkpoints, allowing us to test and try new things like e-Gates,” said Greg Hawko, CLT’s federal security director. “We hope it’s here forever because our team loves it, the passengers love it, and it gives us an opportunity to make the process more streamlined.”

A press release from Charlotte Douglas International Airport states that the e-Gates have saved about 3 seconds per passenger. This seems inconsequential, but it also points out that the automation frees up agents to attend to other matters.

Hot Tip:

With the summer travel season in full swing, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how you can get through airport security with as little stress as possible.

Final Thoughts

The TSA has been testing new e-Gates that automate part of the security screening process at one of the nation’s busiest airports. While it doesn’t appear that it’ll save passengers much time, the self-serve nature of these new e-Gates could prove popular. Plus, automating the ID verification process can free up TSA agents to more quickly and effectively address other issues that arise, saving everyone more time and mitigating frustration.