Who needs a person with a pen and a black light to say a boarding pass and identification passes muster? The Transportation Security Administration is testing a system that would screen those materials with a machine, instead of a visual check from an agent.

USA Today says tests began last week at Washington-Dulles International Airport and will commence at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston tomorrow, followed by San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 23.

Some important factors that need to be thoroughly reviewed over the next several months — how fast passengers can make it through the line with the machines, as well as how accurate the devices are at screening passes and IDs. The machines will simply scan barcodes on both documents and compare them. No information will be stored.

If something is flagged or needs another look, an agent will check things out more closely.

“For efficiency, it is fantastic,” says Domenic Bianchini, TSA director of checkpoint technology. “We think it’s a valuable technology, and we think over time we will see the real value added.”

TSA tests airport check-in system [USA Today]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.