Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is the first in the world to begin using a new system that allows passengers to perform security checks by themselves.

The system is called Unipass.  When passengers register they’re given a smart card with all their security information encrypted.

When they arrive at the airport they swipe their Unipass and then their passport.  A camera scans their face using face recognition technology.  The computer then asks several security questions that security officials usually ask. If the passenger’s identity can not be determined then they’re asked to scan their fingerprint.

The system is  meant to decrease the amount of time passengers spend in security lines.  Security officials are still on hand and will step in as needed.

The pilot program is being tested on El Al frequent flier members who sign-up in advance.  In the first two days since registration began more than 540 people have registered.

“My dream is for this to be a cooperation with several airports so travelers will arrive to multiple airports easily,” said Oded Bender, CEO Bender Technologies, whose company created the new system along with Israel Airports Authority.

Airport officials say Continental Airlines is expected to begin using the program at Ben-Gurion in the coming months.