The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a major upgrade to its PreCheck program with the introduction of Touchless ID — a system that verifies passenger identity using secure facial recognition. Now available at 15 major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles International, and New York’s JFK, the technology is set to reshape the travel experience for millions of passengers.
The New Standard for Speed and Simplicity
TSA PreCheck has long been known for faster security screening, but Touchless ID takes it a step further. Passengers enrolled in the program no longer need to hand over a physical ID. Instead, a quick facial scan at the checkpoint matches their live image to a secure, pre-registered government photo, such as a passport or visa. The process is quick, contactless, and highly secure — reducing bottlenecks and helping passengers move through security more efficiently.
How It Works
Enrolling in Touchless ID is straightforward. Travelers must first be TSA PreCheck members with a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Before their trip, they can opt in through their airline’s website or mobile app by confirming their travel document details. At participating airports, they simply step up to the Touchless ID scanner at the PreCheck lane. In seconds, the system verifies their identity, eliminating the need for physical ID checks.
Expanding Availability Across the Nation
The program is currently available at these 15 airports:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- LaGuardia Airport (New York)
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Portland International Airport (Oregon)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- Salt Lake City International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
TSA plans to expand the service to additional hubs as more airports and airlines adopt the technology.
Benefits for Travelers
The new system is designed to deliver a better experience in four key areas:
- Faster Screening – Eliminating ID checks reduces wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
- Contactless Process – The touch-free system supports cleaner, more hygienic travel.
- Enhanced Security – Facial recognition offers a secure, accurate match to official government records, reducing human error.
- Nationwide Convenience – With many major airports participating, frequent flyers benefit across multiple routes.
Traveler Demand Driving Change
TSA reports a growing demand for both speed and convenience in air travel. With passenger volumes rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, the agency is investing in technologies that remove friction without compromising safety. Touchless ID meets these expectations by streamlining one of the most time-consuming parts of air travel — identity verification.
Airline Partnerships Key to Access
While the technology is available at certain airports, travelers must check whether their airline supports Touchless ID at their departure location. For example, San Francisco International Airport offers the service, but it may be limited to passengers flying with specific carriers such as United Airlines. As partnerships expand, availability will continue to grow.
How to Get Started
For travelers who are not yet TSA PreCheck members, the first step is enrollment, which involves a background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, members can link their Known Traveler Number to airline bookings and opt into Touchless ID through participating carriers. This proactive step ensures the smoothest possible security checkpoint experience.
Looking Ahead
The adoption of biometric technology in airports is a global trend, and the U.S. is accelerating its rollout. TSA officials emphasize that privacy and data security remain top priorities, with all facial scans securely matched and not stored beyond the verification process.
A Smoother Journey for Millions
For frequent travelers and holidaymakers alike, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID represents a new era of efficiency in U.S. airport security. By combining biometric accuracy with a streamlined process, TSA is making it easier than ever to get from the curb to the gate. As more airports join the program, the days of fumbling for your ID at security could soon be over.
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