TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

Trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck can be massive time savers at the airport, getting you through security faster and helping you avoid the long lines that have been plaguing U.S. airports as lately. But TSA has been steadily expanding a way to expedite the security process even further: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Touchless ID allows eligible TSA PreCheck travelers to pass through a separate security lane that uses facial recognition to verify your identity rather than a physical ID.

If you don't have TSA PreCheck yet, there are many credit cards with TSA PreCheck (and Global Entry) credits to cover the membership cost for these programs. But there are a few additional steps you have to take after joining to opt in to Touchless ID.

Read on for everything you need to know about what Touchless ID is and how it works.

Which Airlines Participate In Touchless ID?

Whether or not you'll be able to use Touchless ID depends on the airline you're flying. Not every airline that participates in PreCheck also participates in PreCheck Touchless ID. In fact, the list is quite short.

The following airlines currently participate in Touchless ID:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Additionally, there are currently only 65 airports where you can use PreCheck Touchless ID. That's fraction of the more than 250 airports where PreCheck is available.

How To Opt In To Touchless ID

To use PreCheck Touchless ID, you'll need to opt in with participating airline. In most cases, you'll need to make sure your airline account is updated with your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and valid passport number and country. You should then have the option to opt in to Touchless ID. You may also be prompted to do so when checking in for your flight.

Here's what this looks like with a Delta SkyMiles account.

And here's what that looks like on American's website. You'll see the option to opt in to Touchless ID under “Information / Password” in your AAdvantage account settings.

Check your mobile boarding pass before your flight to make sure it shows the “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID” indicator. Then, at the airport, follow the signs to enter the dedicated Touchless ID security lane.

With Touchless ID, you won't need to pull out a physical ID. Instead, TSA uses biometric facial recognition technology to verify your identity. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't bring your ID on your trip. You'll still need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification as a backup should anything go awry.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: ToP Thoughts

Having TSA PreCheck already gets you through airport security faster, but Touchless ID means you no longer have to scramble to get your ID out of your bag. This tool isn't available everywhere yet, but if you're flying one of the major U.S. airlines to a major airport, odds are you'll be able to use the Touchless ID dedicated security lane.

Have you used TSA PreCheck Touchless ID yet? Let us know in the ToP Facebook group!