The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is revolutionizing the airport experience for TSA PreCheck travelers with the introduction of Touchless Identity Solutions, now available at select airports including Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This innovative program, which United Airlines has recently adopted, allows PreCheck passengers to navigate bag drop and security checkpoints using facial recognition technology, eliminating the need for physical IDs or boarding passes.
United Airlines, following Delta Air Lines' lead, has implemented the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID experience, marking a significant step forward in streamlining airport procedures. "We recently launched TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID at O'Hare International Airport, which allows travelers to seamlessly drop off their bags and make it quickly through security – all without having to present an ID," a United spokesperson shared. This technology is not only a testament to United's commitment to passenger convenience but also positions it as the first airline to offer such a service at O'Hare.
To participate, PreCheck travelers must be enrolled in the program, have their passports uploaded to their MileagePlus account, and be on a single-passenger reservation. Upon checking in for a flight via the United app, passengers can opt into the program, allowing their facial scan to serve as identification.
The process is straightforward: at the airport, travelers head to a designated TSA PreCheck Touchless ID kiosk for a facial scan, which then enables them to proceed through bag drop and security without the traditional ID checks. While the program is in its testing phase at ORD, with full implementation expected by May 2024, it represents a significant leap towards a more efficient and less invasive travel process.
Delta Air Lines offers a similar service under its Digital ID program at airports including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Delta's PreCheck travelers can opt into this program through the Fly Delta app, further enhancing the seamless travel experience.
Other airlines, such as American Airlines with its Mobile ID and Alaska Airlines with upcoming new bag drop machines, are also adopting facial recognition technology to offer a more streamlined and touchless airport experience. This trend underscores the aviation industry's move towards incorporating biometric technology to improve efficiency and security while prioritizing passenger convenience.
As TSA and airlines continue to expand the touchless ID program, travelers can look forward to a future where moving through airports is faster, more secure, and more user-friendly. This advancement not only benefits frequent flyers but also sets a new standard for travel, promising a smoother journey from check-in to boarding.
