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By Thomas Westerholm
Life & Trends Reporter
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program to 65 additional U.S. airports, a move the agency says will speed up identity verification for travelers who opt in while maintaining existing privacy safeguards.
According to the TSA, the program is scheduled to roll out in spring 2026 and will be available to eligible TSA PreCheck members flying with participating airlines.
The expansion is part of the agency’s broader push to use facial comparison technology to streamline airport screening without eliminating the option for traditional ID checks.
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TSA PreCheck Touchless ID allows enrolled travelers to verify their identity using a quick photo at dedicated lanes, rather than handing over a physical ID.
The system, which compares a live image with passport information already provided to the airline, is designed to make the screening process faster and more efficient.
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Why It Matters
Airports across the U.S. continue to see high passenger volumes, and the TSA has been rolling out biometric technology as a way to reduce congestion at security checkpoints.
The expansion to 65 more airports broadens access to touchless screening for travelers.
What To Know
TSA says the Touchless ID program is limited to TSA PreCheck passengers who have a valid passport and who opt in through their airline.
Travelers must still carry a REAL ID–compliant physical ID as a backup.
Popular travel account The Points Guy lauded the system in a video on TikTok, explaining, "I used it recently, and it saved me about 10 minutes compared to regular TSA Precheck.
"You walk up, pause for a second, and then head straight to the scanners.
"The best part [is that] if you already have TSA Precheck or Global Entry, this service costs nothing extra. You just opt in through each airline you fly, upload your passport, and that's it."
The Airport List
TSA says the expansion will bring TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to major hubs and regional airports served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Newly covered locations include:
- Atlanta – ATL
- Boston – BOS
- Charlotte – CLT
- Chicago – ORD
- Dallas – DAL, DFW
- Denver – DEN
- Detroit – DTW
- Honolulu - HNO
- Houston – HOU, IAH
- Kansas City – MCI
- Las Vegas – LAS
- Los Angeles – LAX
- Minneapolis – MSP
- Newark – EWR
- New York City – JFK, LGA
- Oakland – OAK
- Palm Beach – PBI
- Philadelphia – PHL
- Portland – PDX
- Salt Lake City – SLC
- San Antonio – SAT
- San Francisco – SFO
- San Jose – SJC
- Santa Ana – SNA
- Seattle – SEA
- St. Louis – STL
What’s Next
The TSA says participation remains voluntary, and travelers can opt out of facial recognition at any time and request standard ID verification without losing their place in line.
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