TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: Every airport with the speedy new security lanes
As the holiday travel season approaches, frequent flyers are encouraged to take advantage of the TSA’s innovative Touchless ID program, which promises to streamline the security process at airports across the United States. Launched last year, the program utilizes advanced facial recognition technology to expedite the identification of travelers. Those eligible for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can now enjoy a faster experience by simply having their photo taken as they approach the TSA officer, which is then compared to their passport photo on file. This process allows travelers to bypass the need to present physical identification or boarding passes, making the security experience noticeably quicker and more efficient.
To participate in the Touchless ID program, travelers must opt in through their airline’s frequent flyer profile. This involves uploading a passport photo and consenting to the facial recognition process. For example, users flying with United Airlines can easily access this feature via the United app, where they can upload their passport image and complete the opt-in process. The program is currently available at major airports across the country, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, among others. Each of the five largest U.S. carriers—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines—has partnered with the TSA to offer this service at select locations.
While the Touchless ID program offers a significant convenience, travelers are still advised to carry a valid ID, such as a Real ID or passport, as technical issues can arise. The TSA’s Touchless ID initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance airport security and improve the overall travel experience, and as the program expands, more airports and airlines are expected to join in. By opting into this program, frequent flyers can save valuable time during the busy holiday travel period, allowing them to focus more on enjoying their journeys rather than navigating long security lines.
If you’re flying this holiday season, be sure to check your airline profile before you head to the airport.
Millions of frequent flyers are now eligible for one of the best time-savers around … but only if they sign off ahead of time.
Last year, the Transportation Security Administration began piloting its new
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program
at some of the nation’s largest airports.
The program uses facial comparison technology: Travelers passing through these lanes get their picture taken as they approach the TSA officer, and the TSA’s computers compare that image to a passport photo on file.
Typically, travelers using these fast lanes are able to then fly through without pulling out their wallet or boarding pass — with the experience often faster than using any other security lane.
TPG’s Clint Henderson
wrote about his experience
using the TSA Touchless ID lanes, which are typically marked by blue and green signage at checkpoints.
Read more:
8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
TSA Touchless ID at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Who can use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
If you’re a
TSA PreCheck
member or get your PreCheck access through a
Global Entry
program, you’re eligible to use the Touchless ID lanes — that is, if you opt in.
How to opt in
To do that, you’ll want to go to your airline frequent flyer profile, upload an image of your passport, and consent to the facial identification program.
I’m flying United Airlines out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) next month, so I pulled up my United app. I clicked on “TSA PreCheck and travel documents.”
UNITED AIRLINES
Then, I selected “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.”
UNITED AIRLINES
The app prompted me to add a photo of my passport, just like you might before an international flight.
And then there were a couple of pages where I had to opt in and consent. Once you do this, you should be clear to use the Touchless ID lanes.
UNITED AIRLINES
Which airports have TSA PreCheck Touchless ID available?
The TSA’s new Touchless ID program is expanding to a growing number of airlines and airports nationwide.
Each of the five largest U.S. carriers now partners with the agency on the Touchless ID lanes at a handful of the nation’s largest hubs.
Here’s the full rundown of airlines and airports where it’s available as of November 2025:
Airline
Airports where this airline partners with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program
American Airlines
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Delta Air Lines
- ATL
- DCA
- DEN
- Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
- EWR
- JFK
- LAS
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- LGA
- PDX
- SEA
- SLC
United Airlines
- ATL
- DCA
- DEN
- EWR
- LAS
- LAX
- LGA
- Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- PDX
- SEA
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- SLC
Southwest Airlines
- ATL
- DEN
- LGA
- PDX
- SEA
- SLC
Alaska Airlines
- ATL
- DCA
- DEN
- LAX
- PDX
- SEA
- SLC
You’ll only be able to use the TSA Touchless ID lanes if your airline partners with the service at
that
airport
, and only if you opt in to the service with
that carrier.
Expect to see the list of airports and airlines grow as the TSA’s fast new service expands its footprint.
Bottom line
You should still bring your
Real ID or acceptable alternative like a passport
to the airport — even if you’re opted in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
As I’ve seen on numerous occasions at airports, technology can malfunction or some other snafu can come up that could lead officers to ask you to present a valid ID.
Related reading:
TPG’s 2025 travel trends report
Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or expert traveler
The best travel credit cards
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
Best credit cards for general travel purchases
13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
