If you’ll be flying in 2026, be sure to check your airline profile before heading to the airport.
Millions of frequent travelers are now eligible for one of the best time-saving programs out there… but only if they sign up in advance.
In recent years, the Transportation Security Administration began testing its new TSA PreCheck Contactless ID Program in some of the largest airports in the country.
And in the coming months, the fast, high-tech security option will be available at dozens of additional centers.
The program uses facial matching technology: Travelers passing through these lanes have their photo taken as they approach the TSA officer, and TSA computers compare that image to an on-file passport photo.
Travelers using these express lanes can usually speed up without taking out their wallet or boarding pass. The experience is usually faster than using any other security lane.
TPG’s Clint Henderson wrote about his experience using TSA PreCheck contactless ID lanes, which are typically marked with blue and green signs at checkpoints.
Read more: 8 Ways to Get Free or Discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear
Who can use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
if you are a TSA Precheck member or get your TSA PreCheck access through Global EntryYou are eligible to use TSA PreCheck contactless ID lanes, as long as you agree to do so.
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How to register
To do so, you’ll need to go to your airline’s frequent flyer profile, upload an image of your passport, and consent to the facial ID program.
For example, I’m taking a United Airlines flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) next month, so I opened my United app. I clicked on “TSA PreCheck and Travel Documents.”
Then, I selected “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.”
The app asked me to add a photo of my passport, just as I would before an international flight.
And then there were a couple of pages where I had to agree and give my consent. Once you do this, you should be able to use the TSA PreCheck contactless ID lanes.
Which airports offer TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
The new TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is expanding to a growing number of airlines and airports nationwide.
Each of the five largest U.S. airlines is now partnering with the administration to offer TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes at some of the country’s largest hubs.
Here is the complete summary of the airlines and airports where it will be available from March 2026.
You will only be able to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes if your airline is partnered with service at that specific airport and only if you opt for service with that specific airline.
Like TPG reported in JanuaryExpect to see these lanes at dozens of additional U.S. airports in the coming months, as TSA hopes to have its TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program up and running at 65 major hubs by spring.
In a nutshell
You should still bring your Real identification or an acceptable alternative such as a passport to the airport, even if you have opted for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
As I have seen numerous times at airports, the technology can malfunction or some other problem may arise that could lead officers to ask you to present valid identification.
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