TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: Every airport with the speedy new security lanes
As holiday travel approaches, frequent flyers should take a moment to review their airline profiles to maximize their airport experience. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun rolling out its innovative TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which leverages facial comparison technology to streamline the security process at major airports across the United States. This pilot program, launched last year, allows eligible travelers—those who are TSA PreCheck members or hold Global Entry access—to move through security without needing to present their boarding passes or identification, significantly reducing wait times. Travelers simply have their photo taken as they approach security, which is then compared to a passport photo on file, allowing for a seamless transition through the checkpoint.
To take advantage of the Touchless ID lanes, travelers must opt in by updating their airline frequent flyer profiles. This process involves uploading a passport photo and consenting to the facial recognition program through their airline’s app. For instance, a traveler flying United Airlines can easily navigate to the “TSA PreCheck and travel documents” section of the app to complete the necessary steps. Currently, the program is available at several major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport, with plans for expansion as more airlines partner with the TSA. However, it’s essential to note that even if you opt in to the Touchless ID program, you should still carry a valid form of identification, such as a Real ID or passport, as technical issues can arise, and TSA officers may still request to see your ID.
As the TSA continues to enhance the travel experience through technology, the Touchless ID program represents a significant leap forward in airport efficiency. With the busy holiday season upon us, travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this program and ensure they are prepared for a smoother journey through security. The potential for reduced stress and faster processing times makes this a valuable option for frequent flyers looking to navigate the bustling airports during peak travel times.
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.
