You Could Get Through the TSA ID Check in Under 10 Seconds Now — Here’s How
TSA’s new Touchless ID rollout is expanding to 65 airports and could seriously speed up your next trip.
If you’re already a TSA PreCheck member, airport security is about to get even faster. TSA is rolling out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and expanding the program from 15 airports to 65 by the end of spring.
The goal is simple: less fumbling with documents, shorter lines, and a smoother start to your trip. Travelers who opt in can move through dedicated lanes in 10 seconds or less at participating airports.
What TSA PreCheck Touchless ID actually does
Touchless ID uses facial comparison technology to verify your identity at security. Instead of handing over your ID, TSA confirms who you are with a quick photo taken at the checkpoint. If everything matches, you’re waved through.
Important detail: this is optional. You have to opt in ahead of time, and you can still use regular TSA PreCheck if you prefer.
Who can use it
To be eligible, travelers must:
- Be an active TSA PreCheck member
- Have a valid U.S. passport
- Upload passport information to their airline profile
- Opt in through a participating airline
Once you’ve opted in, your boarding pass will show a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator, which lets you access the dedicated lane.
Participating airlines
The rollout currently includes five major carriers:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Each airline supports Touchless ID at select hubs and major airports, with more locations being added as the expansion continues.
Where it’s available
By the end of spring, Touchless ID will be active at 65 airports nationwide, including major hubs like Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York-area airports, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Seattle, San Francisco, and more. The footprint covers nearly every region of the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
In short: if you regularly fly through a large or mid-sized airport, there’s a good chance Touchless ID is coming your way soon; if it’s not there already.
How to opt in (it’s quick)
- Log in to your airline’s frequent flyer profile
- Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
- Upload your passport details
- Select “Opt In” (or choose it during check-in)
- Confirm the Touchless ID indicator appears on your mobile boarding pass
If you don’t see the indicator, you won’t be able to use the Touchless ID lane, even if the airport supports it.
Do you still need a physical ID?
Yes. TSA is very clear on this: you must still carry a REAL ID–compliant physical ID or passport. Touchless ID replaces the handoff in most cases, but TSA officers can still ask for physical ID at any time.
Why travelers might actually like this
- Faster: TSA says most travelers clear the lane in under 10 seconds
- More convenient: No digging through bags for documents
- More efficient: Speeds up an already streamlined TSA PreCheck process
- Privacy-focused: Images are not used for surveillance or law enforcement and are deleted within 24 hours of your scheduled departure
The bottom line
It won’t replace TSA PreCheck, and it won’t be mandatory. But for travelers who value speed and convenience, this rollout is a clear signal of where airport security is headed next.
As TSA continues to modernize airport security, this isn’t the only change travelers should know about. The agency recently updated a long-standing security rule that removes another common airport headache.
And in less predictable TSA news, officers are also asking travelers to stop attempting to smuggle live animals through security (yes, including hiding them in, ah, undergarments) after a string of truly bizarre incidents at checkpoints.
TSA Is Begging Travelers: Please Stop Smuggling Animals in Your Underwear at Airport Security
Oh, Florida. In a story that feels more like the start of a stand-up set than a legitimate news report, TSA just had to remind travelers, again, to please stop hiding animals in bizarre places before going through airport security. Yes, this is real life.
Read more: TSA Is Begging Travelers: Please Stop Smuggling Animals in Your Underwear at Airport Security
One Less Hassle at the Airport: TSA Changes Longstanding Security Rule
No PreCheck? No problem! This TSA update applies to nearly everyone.
Read more: One Less Hassle at the Airport: TSA Changes Longstanding Security Rule
The in-flight mistake that could now land you a surprise fine
Plane etiquette just got real, and breaking it could cost you.
Read more: The in-flight mistake that could now land you a surprise fine
The 10 U.S. Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage, Ranked
Using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation between 2021 and 2024, researchers looked at how many bags (including wheelchairs and scooters) were boarded and how many were reported as mishandled. Here are the top 10 airlines with the worst baggage mishandling rates.
Read more: The 10 U.S. Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage, Ranked
The Top 10 U.S. Airlines, According to a New Study
Choosing the right flight can feel like a puzzle, especially with so many factors to consider. There’s ticket prices, the airline’s reputation, onboard WiFi, baggage handling, and whether they actually arrive on time! A recent report compared domestic airlines across three key areas: baggage and departures, in-flight comfort, and safety.
Read more: The Top 10 U.S. Airlines, According to a New Study
