With increasing TSA queue times and the evolving landscape at U.S. airports, travelers are seeking ways to expedite their security screening. Beyond consulting TSA wait-time trackers, often accessible on individual airport websites, air passengers can also enroll in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID initiative, a biometric verification system akin to Clear.
This program’s facial recognition technology promises “quicker, more streamlined identity verification,” according to the TSA. At airports where it’s currently operational, passengers are directed to dedicated Touchless ID lanes at security checkpoints, which typically offer the shortest waiting periods.
The TSA states that Touchless ID is presently available at 65 airports nationwide. However, flyers must opt-in via their chosen airline. To qualify for enrollment, a traveler must already possess TSA PreCheck and maintain an active frequent flyer profile with an airline participating in the Touchless ID program. Additionally, valid passport details must be uploaded to that profile.
Currently, five airlines facilitate this program: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. Each has a slightly distinct enrollment process.
Here’s how to sign up:
Alaska Airlines Enrollment
Individuals flying with Alaska Airlines who wish to enroll in Touchless ID need an Atmost Rewards account, as outlined by the airline. To enroll, they should follow these steps:
- Log into their rewards account and add their Known Traveler Number (KTN) along with valid passport information to their profile.
- Under the “travel documents” tab, they can select the option to “Add TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.” Enrollment will remain active until they choose to opt out.
American Airlines Enrollment
American Airlines passengers must also possess a rewards account with the airline to opt into Touchless ID, as stated by the airline. American mandates an annual re-enrollment. To sign up, they should:
- Access their AAadvantage account and navigate to the “information and password section.”
- Save their KTN and passport details to their rewards profile.
- Scroll down this section to find the “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID” option, check the opt-in box, and save their selection.
Delta Air Lines Enrollment
Delta permits flyers with SkyMiles accounts to opt into Touchless ID. To enroll in the program, the airline advises passengers to:
- Save their passport information and KTN in their SkyMiles profile, either through the Fly Delta app or at delta.com.
- Select the option within their rewards profile to opt into Touchless ID.
- Look for the distinctive green “Touchless” badge on signage at designated airports, indicating specific security lanes and bag drops.
Southwest Airlines Enrollment
Travelers flying Southwest can enroll in Touchless ID via their Rapid Rewards account, as advised by the airline. They can enroll by:
- Logging into their Rapid Rewards account within the Southwest app and selecting “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.”
- Using their phone to scan their passport, inputting their KTN into their profile, and opting into the program.
- Flyers are encouraged to check their mobile boarding passes for the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator once their opt-in choice has been confirmed.
United Airlines Enrollment
United passengers interested in opting into Touchless ID require a MileagePlus account, according to the airline. They should follow these steps to enroll:
- Save their passport and KTN to their MileagePlus account in the United app. This information can be entered by navigating to their account and selecting the page for TSA PreCheck and travel documents.
- They can opt into Touchless ID on that same page.
- United stipulates that each traveler must enroll through their individual account before checking in for flights on the app. Travelers are advised to review the airline’s privacy policy and grant United permission to use their facial scan for identification.
- Similar to Delta, United also provides a Touchless ID shortcut for bag drops in addition to security checkpoints at participating airports. Typically, airlines offering a touchless bag drop option make it available at their main hub airports.
Where is Touchless ID available?
Touchless ID is available at 65 airports across the United States. The TSA has published a map detailing these locations on its website.
TSA 
Below is a table presenting TSA wait times at major U.S. airports:
