How To Use Touchless ID To Save Time in the TSA Line

The next time you fly through a U.S. airport, you might be able to skip awkwardly searching through your bag for your ID and boarding pass in the security line. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its Touchless ID program, which uses biometric facial comparison technology (instead of physical IDs) to verify eligible travelers at checkpoints. As the TSA expands the program to 65 airports by this spring, find out how to enroll in Touchless ID to save time at the security checkpoint.

How To Use Touchless ID

To be eligible for the TSA’s Touchless ID, travelers must first be enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a Trusted Traveler program that allows passengers to use dedicated screening lanes and skip removing laptops and other large electronics. Those who enroll in TSA PreCheck receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is used to opt into Touchless ID.

You’ll need to opt in directly with a participating airline and have an active frequent flyer profile with the carrier. Travelers must also hold a valid U.S. passport. There are currently five airlines participating in Touchless ID; you can click on the links below to find detailed instructions on how to opt in for each airline.

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Once you check in, make sure you have the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator on your boarding pass and follow signs to the dedicated lines for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

How It Works

Instead of presenting a physical ID and a boarding pass at the security checkpoint, passengers in the Touchless ID lane will look into a biometric camera, which uses advanced facial comparison technology to match their live photo against their stored passport in around 10 seconds or less. 

According to the TSA, “Facial comparison technology and digital IDs improve the performance and security of TSA operations by increasing the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification. Facial comparison technology automates part of the current manual procedures and allows professional screening personnel to leverage their training and experience to focus more on alarms and error resolution.”

On its website, the agency indicates that all images and personal data are processed securely and will be deleted within 24 hours of each passenger’s scheduled flight departure. The TSA also says the images are not used for surveillance or shared with law enforcement or other entities. 

Lastly, an important note: The TSA still requires that all travelers, even if they’re enrolled in Touchless ID, always carry a physical REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to present if asked by a TSA officer. 

Where Is Touchless ID Available?

Since beginning with a pilot at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in 2021, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID has expanded to more than 50 U.S. airports (at the time of publication). Check the handy map on the TSA website for an up-to-date list of participating airports.

Travelers should take note that Touchless ID lanes are not available at all security checkpoints, and they may be available only when traveling with specific airlines at a participating airport. As the rollout continues, you should also check with your airline for participating airports at the following links before your travel:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Featured image credit: Image courtesy of the TSA