TSA (Transportation Security Administration) PreCheck has always been a golden ticket to getting ahead in security lines at the airport — and now the system is about to get even quicker at select airports with specific airlines.
Typically, travelers with TSA PreCheck must show a boarding pass or ID with the PreCheck indicator before proceeding to security. However, with this updated version — eligible airport goers will not have to show anything but their face.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID will use an enhanced facial comparison technology called Traveler Verification Service.
The technology will capture a live facial image at baggage drop or boarding locations and quickly compare it to a passenger’s previously provided photo to the federal government, such as a passport photo, according to TSA’s website.
Enrolled travelers will get the enhanced security screening process when flying with participating airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
For now, the service is available at just 15 airports across the United States — including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
To access Touchless ID, passengers need to opt in through their participating airline’s profile. Travelers are eligible if they are a current TSA PreCheck traveler, have an active profile with a participating airline and valid passport information uploaded to their airline profile.
During the mobile app check-in process, partner airlines will alert a passenger if they’re eligible to opt in to using this new speedy technology.
The TSA has not announced any plans to bring the technology to other airports or airlines as of now, but the website states, “As part of its on-going efforts to enhance the identity verification of passengers by using facial identification technology at airports, TSA looks to continue to expand this technology to additional airports with new airline partners at checkpoints, bag drop and boarding areas for testing and evaluation purposes.”
Airports using Touchless ID
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- LaGuardia Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Portland International Airport in Oregon
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- Salt Lake City International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
Airlines using Touchless ID
- American Airlines (ATL, DCA, DEN, DFW, EWR, LAS, LGA, PDX, SEA, SLC)
- Delta Air Lines (ATL, DCA, DEN, DTW, EWR, JFK, LAS, LAX, LGA, PDX, SEA, SLC)
- United Airlines (ATL, DCA, DEN, EWR, LAS, LAX, LGA, ORD, PDX, SEA, SFO, SLC)
- Alaska Airlines (ATL, DCA, DEN, LAX, PDX, SEA)
The new service comes as TSA has been making more updates to the airport process.
TSA checkpoints are expanding for families traveling with children and military members.
Under a program dubbed “Families on the Fly,” TSA will add a family lane at security checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference at Nashville International Airport, per CNN.
Additionally, a dedicated lane for uniformed military members, called the Honor Lane — which is already available at 11 different airports — will be expanded nationwide.
It was also announced that the TSA will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes at agency checkpoints — even if you don’t have TSA PreCheck. Plus, Noem suggested that she is pushing the TSA to ease up on its liquids, aerosols and gels rule.
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