American Airlines has started a new chapter in airport security by rolling out the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program at several major airports in the United States 🇺🇸. This move, which began on May 29, 2025, aims to make the security process faster and easier for eligible domestic travelers. While some rumors have suggested that international passengers might soon skip both security and customs, American Airlines has made it clear: there is no such program for international arrivals. All travelers coming from outside the United States 🇺🇸 must still go through the usual customs and immigration checks.
What’s New for Domestic Travelers?
American Airlines, in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has launched the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program at four key airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport. The airline plans to expand this program to more of its hub airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, and Miami, in the coming months.
The main goal of this program is to make the airport experience smoother for travelers who are already part of TSA PreCheck. Instead of showing a physical ID or boarding pass, eligible passengers can now use a special Touchless ID lane. Here, a photo is taken at the checkpoint and matched with government records, such as passport or visa photos. If the match is successful, travelers can move through security without having to pull out any documents.
Who Can Use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
Not everyone can use this new system right away. To be eligible, travelers must:
- Be an AAdvantage member (American Airlines’ frequent flyer program)
- Have TSA PreCheck status
- Have a Known Traveler Number (KTN)
- Hold a valid U.S. passport
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be traveling alone on their reservation
Eligible travelers can opt in to the program through their AAdvantage profile on the American Airlines website. Enrollment lasts for one year and can be renewed or canceled at any time. This process is designed to be simple, but travelers should make sure their TSA PreCheck, KTN, and passport information are up to date in their profile.
How Does the Touchless ID Process Work?
When arriving at a participating airport, eligible travelers follow these steps:
- Opt in to the program via their AAdvantage profile or during check-in.
- Go to the dedicated Touchless ID lane at the security checkpoint.
- Have their photo taken at the checkpoint. The system matches the photo with government records.
- Proceed through security without showing a physical ID or boarding pass.
While the process is mostly automated, travelers are still advised to carry a physical ID in case a manual check is needed. This extra step ensures that security remains strong, even as the process becomes more convenient.
What About International Passengers?
Despite some confusion, there is no program—by American Airlines or any other airline in the United States 🇺🇸—that allows international passengers to skip both security and customs when arriving in the country. All international travelers must:
- Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival
- Claim and recheck their bags if they have a connecting flight
- Pass through TSA security screening before boarding any domestic connection
These steps are required by law and are not affected by the new Touchless ID program. The system is strictly for domestic security screening at select airports and does not change the process for international arrivals.
Why Is This Important?
The introduction of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a big step toward making air travel easier and safer. According to Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines, “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID helps streamline our customers’ travel experience and makes travel with us even more enjoyable. We look forward to it becoming available to even more customers in the coming months.”
Julie Rath, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at American Airlines, adds, “This is the future of frictionless travel. The technology delivers a more seamless and secure travel experience for our customers, and we plan to expand it to all areas of our customers’ journeys with American Airlines.”
Background: The Rise of Biometric Screening
Biometric screening—using facial recognition and other technologies to verify identity—has been growing in the United States 🇺🇸 since 2021. Delta and United Airlines were among the first to test these systems. American Airlines joined the effort in 2025, focusing on TSA PreCheck passengers. The goal is to reduce wait times, limit the need for physical documents, and make the airport experience less stressful.
The TSA PreCheck program itself has been around for years, allowing pre-approved travelers to use faster security lanes. Now, with Touchless ID, the process is even quicker and requires less contact with staff and equipment.
How Does This Affect Different Groups?
- Domestic Travelers: Those who meet the requirements can move through security faster and with less hassle. This is especially helpful for frequent flyers and business travelers who value speed and convenience.
- International Passengers: There is no change for travelers arriving from other countries. They must still go through customs and immigration, claim and recheck bags, and pass through security before any connecting flights.
- Families and Groups: The program is only for travelers who are at least 18 years old and traveling alone. Families and groups will still need to use regular security lanes.
- Privacy Advocates: Some people are concerned about the use of facial recognition and biometric data. Civil liberties groups have raised questions about how this data is stored and used. American Airlines and the TSA say they follow strict privacy rules, but the debate continues.
What Are the Benefits?
The main benefits of the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program include:
- Faster security checks: Travelers spend less time in line and at the checkpoint.
- Less physical contact: There is no need to hand over documents, which can help reduce the spread of germs.
- More convenience: Travelers can keep their IDs and boarding passes in their bags.
- Improved security: Biometric checks can be more accurate than manual ID checks.
What Are the Concerns?
While the program offers many benefits, there are also some concerns:
- Privacy: Some people worry about how their facial data is used and stored. They want to know who has access to this information and how long it is kept.
- Eligibility: The program is only available to a small group of travelers. Many people, including families and those without TSA PreCheck, cannot use it.
- Technical issues: As with any new technology, there may be glitches or problems that need to be fixed.
What’s Next for American Airlines and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
American Airlines plans to expand the Touchless ID program to more airports throughout 2025. The airline is also looking at ways to use biometric technology in other parts of the travel experience, such as:
- Baggage check: Using facial recognition to check bags without showing an ID.
- Boarding: Allowing travelers to board planes with a quick photo instead of a boarding pass.
- Lounge access: Using biometrics to enter airport lounges.
However, there are no current plans to let international passengers skip customs or security. All travelers arriving from outside the United States 🇺🇸 must still follow the usual entry procedures.
How Can Travelers Prepare?
If you are interested in using the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, here are some steps you can take:
- Join the AAdvantage program if you are not already a member.
- Apply for TSA PreCheck if you do not have it. You can find more information and apply on the official TSA PreCheck website.
- Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and passport information are up to date in your AAdvantage profile.
- Opt in to the Touchless ID program through your profile on the American Airlines website.
- Check if your airport is participating in the program before your trip.
What Should International Passengers Know?
If you are arriving in the United States 🇺🇸 from another country, remember:
- You must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival.
- If you have a connecting flight, you must claim your checked bags, clear customs, recheck your bags, and go through TSA security screening before your next flight.
- There is no way to skip these steps, no matter which airline you fly.
For more information about customs and immigration procedures, you can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Expert Opinions and Community Impact
Many experts believe that the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is a positive step for air travel in the United States 🇺🇸. It makes the process faster and easier for those who qualify, and it could lead to even more improvements in the future.
However, some privacy advocates remain cautious. They want to make sure that biometric data is handled carefully and that travelers’ rights are protected. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over privacy and security will likely continue as more airlines and airports adopt these technologies.
For travelers, the main takeaway is that the airport experience is changing. Technology is making it possible to move through security faster and with less hassle, but it is important to stay informed about new programs and how they work.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Travel
As American Airlines and other carriers continue to invest in new technology, travelers can expect more changes in the years ahead. Biometric screening, touchless check-in, and digital boarding passes are likely to become more common. These changes aim to make travel safer, faster, and more convenient.
But for now, the rules for international passengers remain the same. All travelers arriving in the United States 🇺🇸 from other countries must go through customs and security. The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is a promising development for domestic travelers, but it does not change the process for international arrivals.
Key Points to Remember
- TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is available at select airports for eligible domestic travelers.
- International passengers must still clear customs and security upon arrival in the United States 🇺🇸.
- The program is expected to expand to more airports and parts of the travel journey.
- Privacy and eligibility concerns remain, and travelers should stay informed about new developments.
For the most up-to-date information, travelers should check the American Airlines Newsroom and the TSA PreCheck page before their next trip.
By staying informed and prepared, travelers can take advantage of new programs like TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and enjoy a smoother airport experience. While the dream of skipping customs and security for international arrivals is not a reality, American Airlines’ latest efforts show that the future of air travel is moving toward greater convenience and efficiency for everyone.
Learn Today
TSA PreCheck → A U.S. program allowing pre-approved travelers expedited airport security screening lanes.
Known Traveler Number (KTN) → A unique identifier for trusted travelers enrolled in expedited security programs.
Touchless ID → A biometric facial recognition system to verify identity without showing physical documents at security.
AAdvantage → American Airlines’ frequent flyer loyalty program required for Touchless ID eligibility.
Biometric Screening → Verification process using unique physical traits like facial recognition for identity confirmation.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines introduced TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to speed up security for eligible domestic travelers. Using facial recognition, passengers avoid showing IDs, enhancing convenience. However, international arrivals must still complete customs and immigration. This program expands in 2025, aiming to improve traveler experience while addressing privacy concerns and technological challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
