Delta is launching a facial recognition self-service bag drop, the first of its kind in the United States.

SEE ALSO:Delta apologizes after threatening parents with jail time over a seat they purchased

Customers with bags to check will stop at the kiosks to print their bag tags -- same as now -- then go to the self-service machines, equipped with biometric technology, which will match them with their passport photos through identification verification.

"We expect this investment and new process to save customers time," said Gareth Joyce, Delta's Senior Vice President, Airport Customer Service and Cargo. "We see a future where Delta agents will be freed up to seek out travelers and deliver more proactive and thoughtful customer service."

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Car seats, golf clubs and oversized bags will need to be processed through a specialty items lane with the help of an agent.

Delta has invested $600,000 in four biometric self-service machines, which will be installed at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport this summer.

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TopicsFacial Recognition