If you’ve ever traveled in the U.S., you know what it’s like to go through endless security checkpoints, show your ID multiple times and deal with lines that don’t seem to move forward.
Since January 2025, with the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has promoted new measures to streamline the process. One of the most relevant is the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a biometric verification system that allows passengers to be identified without physical documents.
What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology to compare the passenger’s identity with the information stored in their passport.
In this way, those who are already part of the TSA PreCheck program and travel with participating airlines can avoid showing their physical ID and boarding pass.
The goal is simple: to reduce times, minimize contacts and increase security at the busiest airports in the United States.
According to TSA, this system does not replace traditional security, but complements it with a more modern and reliable approach.
Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck already enjoy faster lines, fewer baggage checks and more streamlined screening.
With the addition of Touchless ID, the benefit now also includes smoother access by just looking at the camera.
Where is it available?
The service is not available at all airports, but is expanding.
According to TSA, it currently operates in terminals of American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Among the airports where it is active are:
Atlanta (ATL)
Washington D.C. (DCA)
Denver (DEN)
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
New York-LaGuardia (LGA)
Newark (EWR)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Seattle (SEA)
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD)
San Francisco (SFO)
Each participating airline activates access in strategic cities with high passenger flow.
The recommendation for travelers is to check in advance if their departure airport already has the Touchless ID system before checking in.
Requirements for using TSA PreCheck Touchless Touchless ID
Not all passengers can use the system. Certain requirements must be met to access TSA PreCheck Touchless ID:
Have an active TSA PreCheck membership.
Have a valid passport uploaded in the airline’s profile.
Be registered with one of the participating airlines (American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta or United).
The activation process is simple.
When you log in to your frequent flyer profile on the airline, you must select the “OPT IN” option.
When checking in, if the system recognizes your information, the mobile boarding pass will display a Touchless ID indicator.
Although the system is biometric, TSA recommends always carrying a physical ID as a backup, as officers may request it at any time.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID facial recognition technology makes the screening process more secure and efficient. | Credit: YouTube / The Ritz Herald
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID facial recognition technology makes the screening process more secure and efficient. Photo: YouTube / The Ritz Herald
Benefits
The main advantage of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is convenience.
Travelers pass directly through the exclusive lane and verify their identity without the need for physical documents.
However, there are other important benefits:
Faster: the security process becomes even more streamlined than with traditional TSA PreCheck.
Increased security: facial recognition technology reduces fraud risks and increases reliability.
Privacy protected: TSA ensures that captured images are used only to verify identity. They are not stored for law enforcement purposes and are deleted within 24 hours.
Less physical contact: in a context where many travelers value more hygienic processes, the system eliminates the need to exchange documents.
TSA officials point out that Touchless ID not only speeds up travel, but also offers a more secure experience, in a context where airports are looking to improve their screening without creating major delays.
TSA PreCheck 2025 and the future of U.S. airports.
With the relaunch of several policies under the new administration, the TSA is betting on technological innovation in security.
TSA PreCheck 2025 marks an important step toward modernizing U.S. airports by combining speed and biometric technology.
Latino travelers, who represent a significant portion of the flow at airports in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Houston, will directly benefit from this new system.
For frequent travelers between the U.S. and Latin America, Touchless ID can mean less waiting and a much smoother start to travel.
Implementation is still expanding, but everything points to more airports and airlines joining the program in the coming months.
For frequent travelers, the recommendation is to enroll in TSA PreCheck and keep your profile updated with a valid passport to take advantage of this technology.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
