TSA PreCheck Members at Select Airports Can Now Skip Physical ID Checks with United’s Touchless Technology

United Airlines introduces a seamless travel experience for TSA PreCheck members flying from Chicago’s O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airports with the launch of “Touchless ID” technology. This innovative feature allows travelers to bypass the traditional ID and boarding pass checks by simply scanning their faces, streamlining the security process.

To use the Touchless ID, United passengers must first enroll by scanning their passports and entering their Known Traveler Numbers into the United app. Upon checking in for their flights via the app, passengers can opt in for facial scan ID use, enabling a swift pass through security without presenting physical identification or boarding passes.

Additionally, at O’Hare Airport, United has introduced a facial recognition-enabled bag-drop shortcut, currently in a testing phase, to further expedite the travel process. While this feature is being evaluated, airport agents will continue to perform ID checks as necessary.

Currently, the Touchless ID service is exclusive to single-passenger reservations for individuals 18 years and older. United plans to expand this technology to more bag-drop counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates in the future.

Delta Air Lines has also implemented similar facial recognition technology at its key hubs, offering dedicated check-in lanes for touchless processing. This move towards biometric solutions is part of a broader industry trend aimed at enhancing airport security and efficiency while minimizing physical contact.

The Department of Homeland Security and the TSA are exploring further advancements in self-service screening options, including “pods” that integrate facial screening and baggage scanning, currently being tested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

As the aviation industry embraces these technological advancements, the TSA assures that images captured by facial recognition are not stored beyond a limited testing period, and personal identifying information is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes of biometric technology pilots.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nbcnews.com