Four Major Airlines Now Support TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Across 15 U.S. Airports

A new era of expedited airport security is expanding across the United States with the growth of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a facial recognition technology designed to streamline the identity verification process. The system, which eliminates the need for travelers to present a physical ID or boarding pass, is now supported by four major airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. As stated in a recent tweet from Inc., "It's called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, and four airlines support it so far."

This innovative program allows eligible TSA PreCheck members to move through dedicated security lanes by simply looking into a camera. The system compares a live facial scan with pre-registered photos, such as those from a U.S. passport or visa, stored in government databases. Once a match is confirmed, travelers can proceed directly to the security screening.

To utilize the Touchless ID, passengers must be current TSA PreCheck members with a valid passport and opt-in through their participating airline's mobile app or website. This integration aims to enhance convenience and significantly reduce wait times at security checkpoints. The process is designed to be hands-free, providing a smoother experience for travelers.

The program has seen significant expansion since its pilot launch in 2021 with Delta Air Lines. It is now available at 15 major U.S. airports, including key hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK, LGA, EWR), and Seattle (SEA). While the technology is accessible at these airports, its availability can still vary by specific airline and terminal.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) emphasizes that participation in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is entirely voluntary. Travelers can opt out at any time and choose the standard identity verification process. The TSA also states that collected biometric data is encrypted, temporarily saved for evaluation purposes (up to 180 days for data collection, 24 hours for regular use), and is not used for law enforcement or surveillance, nor shared with other entities.