Getting through an airport from baggage check to your gate can sometimes be a lengthy process, and it can be especially frustrating when you're strapped for time. A new feature available at some airports and through a couple of airlines may be of significant help if you're a TSA PreCheck traveler.
A small set of airlines and airports are letting TSA PreCheck passengers use a touchless ID program when checking bags and walking through the PreCheck lines. Instead of showing ID, travelers' faces will be scanned using the Transportation Security Administration's facial recognition technology.
We'll tell you below which airports and airlines are offering the touchless ID option. Interested in other technologies the TSA is working on? Check out these security pods the administration showed off at CES this year.
Which airports are participating?
Right now, there's a small number of airports participating in the touchless ID program for TSA PreCheck passengers. Here's what they are.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
In the future, American Airlines will have its own touchless ID program.
Which airlines are offering the touchless ID option?
Only two airlines are currently offering a touchless ID option when going through airport security. Here's what they are.
United Airlines: TSA PreCheck passengers can choose the airline's Touchless ID program when flying through the above airports. This means they won't have to show a boarding pass or a driver's license. Instead, customers can use their faces as identification to go through TSA PreCheck lines and when checking their bags at the entrance.
When checking a bag, TSA PreCheck customers should look for a shortcut kiosk where they can drop off their bags. Their photo will be taken at this kiosk and a tag for their luggage will be printed. Their photo will also be taken at the TSA PreCheck security checkpoint.
The Points Guy says before May 2024, you may still be required to show a physical form of ID, so be prepared.
Delta Airlines: TSA PreCheck passengers can use Delta's Digital ID option to fly without showing their ID. This option uses the customer's saved passport information to match the photo taken at the security checkpoint.
Delta also offers touchless ID while dropping off bags, and the option is available at multiple airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), as well as the airports mentioned above.
How to get TSA PreCheck and use the touchless ID option
You'll first need to apply to join the TSA PreCheck program. Approval for that could take up to 60 days, but the TSA says it generally only takes three to five days.
For United, you'll need to upload your passport and your Known Traveler Number to the United app. When checking in for the flight, you can select facial scan as your form of ID and give United permission to scan your face.
For Delta, you'll opt in using the Fly Delta app by uploading your passport and KTN. During check-in when you look at your boarding pass, you should see a green button that says Digital ID.
Katie Teague
