Get ready for a smoother start to your next journey! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a major upgrade that will drastically reduce wait times at security checkpoints across the country. The popular TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is set to expand to 50 additional airports by this spring, making hassle-free travel accessible to millions more passengers.
What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
Launched in 2024, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is the next evolution of the trusted traveler program. It utilizes advanced facial recognition technology to verify your identity, allowing you to move through the security checkpoint without ever needing to pull out your physical ID or boarding pass. Think of it as a faster, streamlined version of the standard PreCheck experience—similar to the paid Clear service, but completely free for eligible travelers.
The process is incredibly efficient. Instead of fumbling for documents, you simply step up to the camera for a quick scan. In many cases, this means pausing for just a moment or two before heading straight to the carry-on scanners. According to TSA data, this method can cut your time in line by several minutes. In a recent test, a traveler using Touchless ID saved 10 minutes compared to a companion using the traditional PreCheck lane.
How to Enroll: It’s Free and Easy
Already a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry member? You’re already halfway there! Accessing the Touchless ID lanes comes at no additional cost. However, there is one crucial step: you must opt-in.
To get started, you’ll need to register through your airline’s profile. This involves uploading an image of your passport. You must complete this one-time setup for each participating airline. The good news is that the five largest U.S. carriers are all on board:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
Where Can You Use It? Airports Joining the Program
The expansion is happening fast. Currently available at 15 airports, the TSA expects to add 16 more by the end of January, with the remaining airports following suit by the end of spring. This will bring the total to 65 airports nationwide.
Launching This Month (January)
Keep an eye out for Touchless ID lanes at these major hubs starting immediately:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – Houston
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Washington, D.C.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
On the Horizon (Spring Launch)
And that’s not all! Here are the airports scheduled to welcome Touchless ID lanes later this spring:
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Midway International Airport (MDW) – Chicago
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) – San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Boise Airport (BOI)
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Westchester County Airport (HPN)
The Bottom Line
This expansion is a massive win for frequent flyers and vacationers alike. By the end of spring, navigating airport security will be faster and more seamless than ever at 65 locations across the U.S. It’s a significant step forward in modernizing the travel experience. For those who prefer not to use facial biometrics, don’t worry—the traditional TSA PreCheck lanes will remain available.
Source: Major time-saver: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID expanding to 50 new airports by spring