If you’re flying this holiday season, be sure to check your airline profile before heading to the airport.
Millions of frequent flyers are now eligible for one of the most time-saving services available… but only if they log out in advance.
Last year, the Transportation Security Administration began piloting the new TSA PreCheck contactless ID program at some of the country’s largest airports.
The program uses facial comparison technology: Travelers passing through these lanes are photographed as they approach a TSA officer, and TSA’s computers compare that image to a passport photo on file.
Typically, travelers using these express lanes can pass without pulling out their wallets or boarding passes—an experience that is often faster than using any other security lane.
TPG’s Clint Henderson recounts his experience using TSA’s contactless ID lanes, which are typically marked with blue and green signage at checkpoints.
Read more: 8 Ways to Get Free or Discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear
Who can use TSA PreCheck Contactless ID?
If you are a TSA PreCheck member or have PreCheck access through the Global Entry program, you are eligible for contactless ID lanes—that is, if you choose to opt in.
How to opt in
To do this, you need to access your airline frequent flyer profile, upload a passport image, and agree to the facial recognition program.
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I have a United Airlines flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) next month, so I opened up my United Airlines app. I clicked on “TSA Pre-Check and Travel Documents.”
Then, I selected “TSA PreCheck Contactless ID.”
The app prompted me to add a passport photo, just like before taking an international flight.
Then there are a few pages where I have to opt in and agree. Once you’ve done this, you should know how to use the contactless ID channel.
Which airports offer TSA PreCheck contactless ID?
TSA’s new contactless ID program is expanding to a growing number of airlines and airports across the country.
Five of the nation’s largest carriers are now partnering with the agency on contactless ID lanes at several of the country’s largest hubs.
Here is the full list of airlines and airports available as of November 2025:
| airline | Airports where the airline partners with the TSA PreCheck contactless ID program |
|---|---|
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You will be able to use TSA Contactless ID Lane only if your airline partners with this service at: That AIRPORTand only if you choose to use the service That carrier.
The list of airports and airlines is expected to grow as TSA’s new express service expands coverage.
bottom line
Even if you choose TSA PreCheck Contactless ID, you should still bring a real ID or an acceptable alternative (such as a passport) to the airport.
As I’ve seen many times at airports, the technology can glitch, or there can be some other issue that causes the officer to ask you for a valid ID.
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