TSA Expanding Touchless Facial Recognition To 65 Airports

Aviation Week
Aaron Karp
15 Jan 2026

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to significantly expand its Pre-Check Touchless ID program, which allows passengers to move through checkpoints using biometric facial recognition as their sole form of identification.

Touchless ID was rolled out as a pilot program in the summer of 2025. Touchless ID checkpoint lanes are now available at 15 U.S. airports. TSA said Jan. 14 the program will be expanded to 50 more airports this spring.

The five largest U.S. airlines—Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines—are participating in the program at select airports. Passengers traveling on those carriers with PreCheck membership, an “active profile” with the airline and a valid passport uploaded to the profile are eligible. Passengers must opt in to the program.

TSA Expanding Touchless Facial Recognition To 65 Airports | Aviation Week Network | 15 Jan 2026