TSA's New Touchless ID Speeds Up Airport Security with Facial Recognition

Air travelers have a new way to shorten their wait times at the security screening line at the airport. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) is allowing frequent fliers to sign up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

The TSA says the new measure, which uses facial comparison technology to enhance security screening, will be deployed at 65 airports across the nation.

Why you should care:

As TSA security delays continue, TSA says travelers can use this option to increase convenience, efficiency, security and privacy as they access airport security checkpoints.

What we know:

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID will be available for participating airlines. To enroll, passengers must have an active profile with a participating airline, be a current TSA PreCheck traveler and have valid passport information uploaded to their airline profile.

Passengers who want to use the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program must opt in through one of these participating airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The ongoing partial government shutdown has taken a toll on TSA operations. Although agents have gone without pay since the shutdown began, they are still required to work. According to the Department of Homeland Security, hundreds have resigned or taken unscheduled leave, leading to longer wait times at airport security checkpoints nationwide.