TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID

TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID is an extension of the existing TSA PreCheck® program and uses the latest biometric methods to speed up identity verification. Airports rely on facial comparison technology at dedicated checkpoints: a quick glance at the integrated camera is enough for the system to compare the image with data stored in official documents such as the US passport. After a successful check, the barrier opens automatically and access to the screening area is granted within seconds.

The personal data and photos collected in the process are deleted promptly after the inspection has been completed. The aim is maximum data security and a clear separation from surveillance or law enforcement measures.

Advantages at a glance

• Gain time: Less physical exchange, faster personal verification.
• Comfort: Minimal effort at check-in - simply enter your passport in your profile.
• Contact reduction: A plus, especially in times of increased hygiene awareness.
• Data protection: Clearly regulated by a short storage period and no disclosure to third parties.
• Voluntariness: No obligation - classic control remains in place.

Participation is open to individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, are registered for TSA PreCheck® and have a Known Traveler Number. However, nationals of other countries can also participate in a roundabout way - for example, if they are members of a partner program such as Global Entry that automatically provides access to TSA PreCheck®. In addition, a user profile with a participating airline - such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines or Alaska Airlines - is required. Registration is a one-off process and remains activated for future trips.

At the moment, the program is still limited to certain airports and airlines. The expansion to other locations is planned, so that access to the benefits should soon be available to considerably more travelers.

1. Opt-in and boarding pass
   Travelers log in via their airline app or in their profile, enter their traveler number and passport details and activate the Touchless ID feature. A message appears on the boarding pass on the smartphone.
2. Face scan at the checkpoint
   At the TSA PreCheck touchless filter, a quick glance at the camera is all it takes - a Biometric analysis compares the live image with the photo stored in the system (e.g. from the passport). Identification takes less than five seconds.
3. Data protection
   Biometric images are stored for a maximum of 24 hours and then deleted. TSA emphasizes that no data is shared with law enforcement agencies or stored for other purposes.
4. Fallback possible
   If face verification is refused or fails, travelers can revert to the conventional check with physical ID at any time - without any disadvantages or waiting times.

The service is currently in use at 15 airports in the USA, including major hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, JFK, LaGuardia and others. Denver International Airport (DEN) has also already opened two dedicated Touchless ID lanes, offering TSA PreCheck travelers a contactless alternative to identity verification.

According to reports, further airports are planned: The aim is to expand the offer - probably before major travel events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the national anniversary "America 250".

Thinking outside the box: CLEAR eGates complement TSA systems

Parallel to the Touchless ID system, the provider CLEAR is introducing biometric eGates at airports such as Atlanta, Washington National and Seattle. This gate technology works for CLEAR Plus members: boarding pass scan, face scan and directly into the TSA checkpoint. TSA remains in full control - security standards remain guaranteed.

TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs for trusted travelers. While TSA PreCheck® provides access to expedited security screening for departures from U.S. airports, Global Entry offers simplified and significantly faster processing of customs and passport control for travelers entering the United States. Entering the United States.

Global Entry speeds up the entry process by allowing participants to enter their passport data and fingerprints themselves at special machines, thereby avoiding long queues. This offers clear advantages, especially for frequent travelers, business people and families who regularly fly to the USA from abroad: minimal waiting times and a smooth customs and border control process.

TSA PreCheck® is particularly suitable for travelers who frequently travel within the USA and appreciate shorter waiting times at security checkpoints. In combination with Global Entry, it offers the optimal solution for anyone who regularly travels both domestically and internationally. Global Entry members also automatically benefit from the advantages of TSA PreCheck®.

Would you like to apply for Global Entry or find out which program best suits your travel profile? Our team will be happy to support you: from the first Consulting from the application to the interview appointment and activation of your status. We make sure that your next USA check-in is quick and relaxed.

The integration of biometric systems such as Touchless ID is increasingly influencing the entry processes of US travelers with Visa or ESTA but also students, employees and investors benefit from accelerated and contactless processes at the airport. The technology offers additional time savings and convenience, especially for frequent flyers with a US visa or companies whose employees regularly travel to the USA. The automation of identity verification also reduces the workload of TSA staff and improves the quality of entry processes without compromising security.

The use of Touchless ID is based on voluntary consent. Travelers decide for themselves whether they wish to participate. Special rules apply to children under 18: According to TSA guidelines, they are not biometrically recorded. The partner companies generally rely on encryption and limited storage when collecting data. Data protectionists are calling for additional transparency and legal safeguards to ensure that the rights of all users are protected in the best possible way.

Even though the TSA emphasizes extensive data protection measures, data protection experts urge caution when it comes to biometric surveillance and the handling of sensitive data.

With passenger numbers on the rise and major global events - such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup - TSA is focused on further enhancing airport infrastructure with AI-based threat detection, new scanners and flexible software. TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID is at the heart of a comprehensive digitalization of passenger and security screening.

Anyone planning a trip to the United States should find out about the offers and benefits of the program well in advance. Technological developments show that convenience, security and data protection are becoming increasingly important when entering the US. Programs such as Touchless ID are shaping the future at the airport - contactless, efficient and with a focus on the needs of travelers and employees.