TSA checkpoints are about to get much more efficient at dozens of US airports—just in time for the summer travel rush.
This spring, TSA is expanding its Touchless ID program to both regional and major air travel hubs across the US. The special security lanes use optional facial recognition technology to verify travelers’ identities before they enter the security screening area, eliminating the need to show a physical ID or boarding pass. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United all participate in the program.
Passengers who are enrolled in the program have access to a special Touchless ID lane at the TSA checkpoint. When it’s their turn, fliers simply step up to the kiosk where the TSA officer is, pause for a moment to look at the camera, and continue through to the screening area after a positive facial scan result. On average the process takes 10 seconds or less, making it a seamless option for travelers in a rush.
Here’s everything travelers need to know about TSA’s roll-out of the new technology, including how to opt in with your airline.
Which US airports use Touchless ID?
Touchless ID is a partner program between TSA and US airlines, and it’s currently available at 15 US airports. So far, the program is currently available at the following locations:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Washington, DC (DCA)
- Denver (DEN)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Newark (EWR)
- New York-JFK
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Portland (PDX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Salt Lake City (SLC).
With its new expansion, TSA will bring the technology to 50 new airports, including both large hubs and smaller, regional facilities. The agency is prioritizing the following airports to be among the first to be added to the program in spring 2026, a TSA spokesperson confirmed with Condé Nast Traveler.
- Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
- Houston Hobby (HOU), Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Boston (BOS)
- Palm Beach (PBI)
- Miami (MIA)
- Orange County, California (SNA)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Kansas City (MCI)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- San Jose, California (SJC)
- Sacramento (SMF)
- Anchorage (ANC)
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Long Beach, California (LGB).
After the initial expansion to those 15 airports is completed, the technology will be added to 35 more airports around the country by the end of the spring, TSA says.
Who can use Touchless ID?
Touchless ID lanes are reserved for travelers with TSA PreCheck who are flying with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, or United from participating airports.
In order to be eligible, travelers must have a TSA PreCheck membership, be enrolled in their airlines’ frequent flier program, and have a valid passport attached to their frequent flier profile. Passengers can then opt in to Touchless ID through their airline frequent flier profile. Travelers who opt in, meet all of the criteria, and are traveling through an airport equipped with Touchless ID lanes will have a “Touchless ID” designator automatically added to their mobile boarding pass, giving them access to the program’s lane.
All travelers should still bring a physical, Real ID-approved form of identification with them to the airport in case the technology experiences a glitch or is not available on return or connecting flights.
It’s important to note that the program is completely optional for travelers. Passengers choosing not to use facial recognition technology can proceed through the traditional TSA PreCheck lane and present their physical ID to the TSA officer.
According to the TSA website, images collected during the facial recognition process “are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, nor shared with other entities,” the agency says. “Your photo and personal data are deleted within 24-hours of your scheduled flight departure. Find out more at TSA and DHS Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs).”
