The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out a faster and more convenient version of its PreCheck program at 15 airports nationwide. The new Touchless ID system uses advanced facial recognition technology to speed up security checks, removing the need for passengers to show their boarding pass or ID at certain checkpoints.
How It Works
The upgraded system, powered by TSA’s Traveler Verification Service, captures a live facial scan at baggage drop or boarding gates and matches it with a government-issued photo already on file, such as a passport.
Passengers eligible for this streamlined service must:
- Be enrolled in TSA PreCheck
- Hold an active profile with a participating airline
- Have valid passport information uploaded
Partner airlines currently offering the service include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. During mobile check-in, these carriers will notify travelers if they can opt in to the program.
Where It’s Available
The service is currently offered at 15 airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (NYC)
- LaGuardia Airport (NYC)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (NJ)
- Los Angeles International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Salt Lake City International Airport
- Portland International Airport (Oregon)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Virginia)
Other TSA Updates
Alongside Touchless ID, TSA is rolling out additional updates:
- Families on the Fly: Family-dedicated lanes at security checkpoints.
- Honor Lane: Dedicated security lanes for uniformed military personnel, soon to expand nationwide.
- Simplified screening: Passengers will no longer need to remove shoes at checkpoints, and discussions are ongoing about easing liquid, aerosol, and gel restrictions.
TSA has not yet announced when or where Touchless ID will expand next but says more airports and airline partners will be added in the future.
