(DENVER, COLORADO) Denver International Airport (DEN) is rolling out touchless TSA PreCheck lanes that use facial recognition, a major change now live at the airport’s new East Security Checkpoint. Starting August 5, 2025, eligible travelers can clear identity checks without showing a physical ID.
The Transportation Security Administration also expanded its no-ID-required pilot to 14 airports as of August 10, 2025, and confirmed that the nationwide “shoes-off” era ended on July 8, 2025. Together, these steps aim to cut wait times, improve accuracy, and make the screening experience smoother.
What’s new at Denver International Airport (DEN)
DEN opened a redesigned East Security Checkpoint with 17 lanes built around advanced screening tools. For TSA PreCheck members flying American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, or Alaska Airlines, new facial recognition lanes allow identity checks with a quick scan.
If the system confirms a match to passport information already on file and the traveler has opted in through their airline, no physical ID or boarding pass is needed to pass the document podium.
Airport leadership has framed the update as a push for faster, more convenient screening in partnership with TSA. TSA’s Colorado leadership says the checkpoint raises both safety and efficiency.
The no-ID pilot and “shoes-on” screening
TSA’s expanded pilot lets eligible travelers at 14 airports, including DEN, pass through identity checks without a physical ID. The system compares a live facial image to the traveler’s passport or government ID data that’s on file with participating airlines. The pilot currently includes American, Delta, United, and Alaska.
At the same time, DHS ended the long-standing requirement to remove shoes at security nationwide on July 8, 2025. Officials point to better screening technology and a push to improve hospitality and reduce lines across the United States 🇺🇸.
How touchless TSA PreCheck lanes work
To use the touchless TSA PreCheck lanes at Denver International Airport (DEN), travelers should follow this simple path:
- Enrollment: Be enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
- Passport on file: Have a valid passport linked to your airline profile.
- Opt-in: Opt in to facial recognition through your participating airline.
- Enter lane: Use the dedicated touchless TSA PreCheck lane at the checkpoint.
- Facial scan: The system scans your face and compares it to your passport/ID data.
- Proceed: If matched, you move on without showing a physical ID or boarding pass.
- Screening: You continue through the TSA PreCheck screening process.
Travelers can always ask to opt out of facial recognition and use standard identity checks with a physical ID instead.
The technology behind the lanes
DEN’s checkpoint upgrades layer several tools to speed throughput while keeping tight security standards:
- Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2): 34 units compare a real-time photo to a traveler’s ID. Officials say photos are not stored, and travelers can choose manual verification.
- Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs): 17 lanes feature larger bins, automatic conveyors, and RFID tags to keep items moving and reduce bottlenecks.
- Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray units: 3D images improve threat detection, and many electronics and liquids can stay in bags.
- eAIT body scanners: Nine open-design scanners use millimeter wave tech, reducing rescans and accommodating travelers with metal implants.
- Bottle liquid scanners and ETD: Laser-based tools screen medically necessary liquids over 3.4 ounces; explosive trace detection swabs check for residue on hands or belongings.
Technology summary table
| Technology | Quantity | Primary benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) | 34 units | Real-time photo-ID comparison; manual verification option |
| Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) | 17 lanes | Faster throughput; reduced bottlenecks |
| CT X-ray units | (number listed) | 3D threat detection; keep electronics/liquids in bag |
| eAIT body scanners | 9 | Fewer rescans; better for implants |
| Bottle liquid scanners & ETD | — | Screen medically necessary liquids; residue detection |
Privacy and choice
TSA states that photos captured for facial recognition checks are not stored. Participation is optional, and travelers may request manual ID verification at any point.
For people worried about biometrics, choosing the opt-out path avoids facial recognition while still moving through familiar screening steps.
Important: If you don’t want to use facial recognition, you can always request manual ID checks and present your physical documents.
Who benefits now
- Frequent flyers in TSA PreCheck: faster, simpler identity checks, especially with the no-ID pilot.
- Families and older adults: fewer items to juggle at the document podium and benefit from the “shoes-on” policy.
- Travelers with medical implants: fewer rescans with the open eAIT design.
- Passengers with medically necessary liquids > 3.4 oz: can have them screened instead of discarded.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the move to touchless identity checks and CT scanners has the potential to shorten lines without lowering security, especially when airports add lanes and staff to match peak demand.
What this means for non-U.S. citizens
These changes can help visitors, international students, and new immigrants who hold valid passports and are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Because the system checks against passport information on file with the airline, it’s key that your profile details match your document exactly.
If you’re not comfortable with facial recognition, you can opt out and present your passport physically at the podium.
Tips to sail through DEN’s new checkpoint
- Check your airline profile: Ensure your name, date of birth, and passport details match your passport exactly.
- Opt in before you fly: Enable facial recognition in your airline app or account settings if you want touchless lanes.
- Bring a backup: Even in a no-ID pilot, carry your physical ID in case you’re routed to a different lane or choose to opt out.
- Keep items in your bag: With CT scanners, many electronics and liquids can stay inside unless directed otherwise.
- Ask questions early: Use TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673, text 275-872, or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.
Official policy background
TSA began testing facial recognition and digital ID tools in 2023–2024, then moved to broader expansion in 2025 after positive results. At DEN, the upgrades are part of the airport’s $2.1 billion Great Hall Program.
The airport plans further additions, including eight more lanes on Level 5 by late summer 2026.
DHS has linked the “shoes-on” policy shift to its wider “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” effort and stronger REAL ID adoption. Officials also point to layered security that still includes Secure Flight vetting and explosive trace detection.
Multiple perspectives
- Travelers: Many welcome shorter lines and less hassle, though some raise privacy concerns about biometrics.
- Airlines: Supportive, citing fewer document checks and smoother boarding later in the travel day.
- Security experts: Encourage strong privacy rules, clear opt-out options, and regular audits of biometric systems to keep public trust.
What to watch next
TSA plans to expand touchless and digital ID screening to more airports and airlines through late 2025 and 2026. At DEN, continued construction and additional lanes are meant to keep pace with record traffic while holding wait times steady.
Where to learn more
For official program details, eligibility, and enrollment, see TSA’s page on TSA PreCheck: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
Key takeaways
- Live now at DEN: Touchless TSA PreCheck lanes with facial recognition for enrolled travelers on American, Delta, United, and Alaska.
- As of Aug. 10, 2025: No-ID pilot at 14 airports, including Denver.
- Since July 8, 2025: Shoes can stay on nationwide.
- Privacy: Photos for identity checks are not stored; opting out is always allowed.
- Action items: Link your passport to your airline profile, opt in if you want touchless screening, and carry a backup ID just in case.
These upgrades are built to make airport screening faster and simpler while keeping strict security layers. For many travelers, the result at Denver International Airport (DEN) is a shorter, calmer trip through the checkpoint—and a smoother start to the journey ahead.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denver’s new East Security Checkpoint opened August 5, 2025, introducing touchless TSA PreCheck facial-recognition lanes for enrolled travelers. With 17 lanes, 34 CAT-2 units, CT scanners, and open eAIT machines, DEN aims to shorten lines, keep shoes on, and maintain security while offering opt-out manual ID checks.
