TSA's Convenient New Screening Method Doesn't Require Pulling Out Your Passport

In a climate-controlled airport environment, you'll likely feel the temperature rising while waiting at TSA checkpoints. Long lines, passengers breaking airport etiquette rules, or realizing you've left your wallet or passport behind as you prepare to board can turn up the heat — and your stress levels. However, over the past year, the TSA has rolled out changes to security that help passengers keep their cool and breeze through the process. One major change allows passengers to literally walk through security without pulling out their boarding pass, ID, or phone by using the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID security lanes. 

Launched in 2024, the program cuts time in security lines for travelers who already have TSA PreCheck by verifying their identities through facial recognition technology and data sharing with major U.S. airlines. That said, the program still requires you to carry a valid passport in order to participate. Since last year, 15 airports across the country and all major U.S. airlines — including United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and American — have joined the program. Ahead of the busy summer travel season, the TSA expects a total of 65 airports to have dedicated PreCheck Touchless lanes available. 

Passengers who plan to use the new service will have to add their KTN (trusted traveler identity number from PreCheck or Global Entry), as well as their passport information to their airline account. The fully opt-in program means that you're allowing the airline, the TSA, and other DHS agencies access to your personal data and biometrics for added convenience through the screening process, though the TSA states that "your photo and personal data are deleted within 24 hours of your scheduled flight departure." Travelers who are uncomfortable or unwilling to opt in can continue to use the standard PreCheck lanes and show a physical form of ID.

In the last year, the TSA has made a streamlined, high-tech airport security environment a major priority for travelers. In 2025, it screened over 906 million passengers and 2.5 billion pieces of baggage. To keep screening record numbers of passengers moving efficiently, the TSA is adding more high-tech screening devices to major airports. This includes automated screening lanes designed to shorten wait times while maintaining high levels of security ahead of major international events, including the upcoming Summer Olympics and World Cup. 

International travelers arriving in the United States on specific flights from London Heathrow Airport will be able to bypass standard TSA lines when connecting at some of the busiest airports in the country, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In addition, the TSA has expanded PreCheck enrollment options nationwide, adding more enrollment centers and hosting PreCheck enrollment events to make signing up easier. The agency has also introduced dedicated security lanes for military families, travelers with young children, and passengers who need extra time at the checkpoint. 

Even though Touchless ID can make flying more convenient, it isn't infallible — so be sure to keep your ID handy in case the camera malfunctions or a TSA agent requests a physical document. If you're unable to present a physical ID — or have not yet obtained a Real ID — you may be required to pay a $45 ConfirmID fee and complete an online form before entering the security line. Once done, make sure to keep a digital or hard copy of the receipt to show the officer once you're in line. Otherwise, you may miss your flight.