The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has processed travelers with facial recognition scans at many U.S. airports, part of pilot programs during the past year that the government now believes it’s ready to roll out nationwide.

That’s the view of Isabel Hill, director of the National Travel & Tourism Office, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, who spoke at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday about the future of secure and seamless travel.

Various airlines and airports have trialed facial recognition in recent years, such as JetBlue and New York’s JFK Airport, the latter part of one of Homeland Security’s pilots. “We’re very advanced in facial biometric entry and exit,” said Hill.

Homeland Security developed the backend technology for the pilot programs. “We’re developing a process where you’ll go from reservation to destination without every showing a boarding pass,” said Hill. “We’re implementing this across a number of U.S. airports.”

Hill said the pilots have processed 400 passengers in 22 minutes at some airports. “For the government, the most important part is that this enhances the security,” said Hill. “We’re very excited about the possibility of transforming the travel experience.”

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