Israel begins fingerprint security

While air travellers around the world are waiting in longer lines and enduring more diligent security checks, some travellers in Israel are being offered shorter queues.

New machines have been installed at Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv. They can recognize passengers using a biometric identification system. It allows airport security guards to access any information on the traveller. The machine scans the passport, a fingerprint and then scans a card.

Authorities, say the system can not replace human checkers, but makes their job faster and more efficient. It's currently only in place for the flagship airline El Al's business class passengers, but is likely to be expanded next year.

A traveler checks in using a new automated security system at  Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv  January 5, 2010. The airport on Tuesday began testing the system  which uses biometrics. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun