LAX Customs kiosks process passports, expedite international travel

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KABC) -- New automated Customs kiosks are now processing passports of incoming travelers at Los Angeles International Airport. The kiosks were installed to make travelers' journeys through the international terminal faster and more convenient.

"You can fly to L.A., and then you can fly through the terminal," said L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti.

At a news conference inside the new Bradley International Terminal at LAX on Wednesday, Mayor Garcetti unveiled 40 automated kiosks that are designed to expedite the entry process for international passengers.

"This kiosk will allow passengers to avoid long lines and reduce wait times by more than 30 percent," said Garcetti.

The kiosks work much like the self-service checkout at your local grocery store. You walk up with your passport, you answer the same questions you would answer on a standard Customs form, then it prints out a receipt with your photo on it.

"It'll actually verify that that is you on the receipt, and it'll actually look at your passport and verify that that is you, and that is your passport, and then you'll be on your way," said Donald Kusser, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The kiosks are free and open to U.S. and Canadian citizens. They are also open to travelers from 38 visa-waiver countries, so long as they register with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Officials say the convenience of the kiosks does not compromise safety.

"They still look at the passport. They make sure the person is the true bearer of the passport, so there is no compromise to security whatsoever," said Todd Hoffman, LAX Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Airport officials say the kiosks could reduce wait times by 17 minutes on average. Some passengers are giving the new devices rave reviews.

"It is so easy now," said Norwalk resident Pankaj Gadani. "It took me no more than three minutes to get through, normally 40 minutes. And I travel once a month."

The Airport Authority paid $2 million for the kiosks. Garcetti says it's money well spent.

"The goal for me is not for people to have their first impression be, 'God, L.A. is a place where things don't get done and I had to wait for an hour.' It's a place where they zoom off to what they want to see, or to home if they're coming back."