Delta Digital ID
When choosing an airline, you have to consider many factors like price, flight times, and baggage policies. Other factors include number of connections, airport experience, and in-flight experience. Delta is not always the cheapest, but I often gravitate to them, because they usually check the other boxes. In 2021, Delta enhanced the airport experience by quietly launching Delta Digital ID – an expedited security line service – at two of their hub airports Atlanta (ATL) and Detroit (DTW). Digital ID is now also available at LAX, LGA, JFK, SLC, and DCA.
Delta Digital ID: Benefits of Enrolling
The best part? Delta Digital ID is free to enroll in. The main benefits include dedicated bag drop and security lines. With Delta digital ID you no longer need Sky Priority to skip the long line of people waiting to check their luggage. It also expedites the security process by using facial matching technology with no need to pull out your driver’s license.
How to Enroll
To participate in Delta Digital ID, you must:
- Be a SkyMiles member
- Already have TSA PreCheck (here's how to get it for free) and your Known Traveler Number saved to your Delta profile
- Have a Valid US Passport saved to your Delta profile
Enrollment is quick and easy. Log into your Delta account, click on your name in the top right corner, and click Profile. Double check that your Known Traveler Number and passport number appear, and scroll down to Digital ID. Click Add, and check the Opt-In button. You're enrolled!
You can tell that your Delta Digital ID is active when you see the indicator on your boarding pass (like pictured above).
My Airport Experience
Recently, Delta thought it would be a great idea to mix up their streamlined new process for savvy travelers with new kiosks for the average traveler to print their own luggage tags. As you can imagine, it's a hot mess. Many people line up without printing their bag tags, which leads to confusion and frustration when they find out they have to start over. Now they have to leave the line, print their bag tags, and start back at the end of the line. I’m not sure what Delta was thinking with these – they have more insight into the minds of the traveling public, and (spoiler alert), it’s not good. The good news for us is that Delta Digital ID allows enrolled members to skip the kiosk and go right to the dedicated bag drop line.
For years, I was aware of Digital ID but never gave it much thought until recently. My wife and I enrolled before our most recent trip together, and it really did enhance our check-in experience. We dropped our bags at the dedicated bag drop and made our way to security. We used the Digital ID lane through security and did not show our IDs or boarding passes. Just a quick stop in front of the TSA agent, a picture, and we were waved through. I was a little shocked at how quick and easy it was. It even beats the pants off of the CLEAR lane.
Improved Airport Experience – ToP Thoughts
I thought Delta Digital ID was going to be another gimmick like their Parallel Reality board, but it's actually pretty great. It relieves one of the pinch points of air travel, and more airlines are starting to adopt technology like this in partnership with TSA Touchless ID. Let me know over in the ToP Facebook group if you have used Delta Digital ID and what your experience was!
