AAdvantage Members Will Soon Have Streamlined TSA Security Screening

Updated: October 31, 2024, 11:46am CDT

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American Airlines Joining TSA’s Touchless ID Program
Other Airlines With Biometric Security Screening
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines announced on October 31 that AAdvantage members who choose to enroll in “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID” will have access to streamlined security screening.

Let’s take a look.

American Airlines Joining TSA’s Touchless ID Program

If you’re an American AAdvantage member and want to streamline the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening process, listen up. American says it is rolling out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID “in the months ahead.”

According to the airline, your image will be compared to your existing passport photo. If it’s a match, you’ll be able to move through the security screening “hands-free.”

The program will be available at “select airports,” though American is keeping mum on precisely where. To participate in Touchless ID, you must confirm your eligibility beforehand. To do this, you’ll provide the following information:

AAdvantage number
U.S. passport information
Known Traveler Number (KTN)

“We want to give our customers an easy experience while they move through every point of their travel journey, and the airport is a big part of that,” said Kim Cisek, American’s Vice President of Customer Experience. “Introducing this option will help customers move more seamlessly from the airport lobby through TSA security to enjoy the next step in their travel.”

Bottom Line:

You’ll only need to renew your enrollment once a year and can opt out anytime. American says it will send out information to AAdvantage members about the timing for the program “in the future.”

Other Airlines With Biometric Security Screening

American has become the latest U.S. airline to offer streamlined security screening through biometrics. However, it’s not alone.

American Airlines plane — Image Credit: Katie Seemann

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines participate in TSA’s Touchless Identity Solution for Trusted Travelers program.

Delta rolled out Digital ID a few years back, which allows customers to use bag drop and security lines with facial matching. SkyMiles members eligible for the program can use it without using their phones or taking out their wallets. The program is available at several Delta hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (LGA and JFK). United offers Touchless ID at Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD).

And last year, Alaska Airlines rolled out the option to digitally verify travel documents for U.S. or Canadian passport holders traveling internationally.

Final Thoughts

Getting through TSA security screening can be the most stressful part of the travel journey. However, American Airlines is joining several U.S. airlines by streamlining the process through biometric solutions for travelers. While American didn’t release many details, this news is something we’ll be keeping an eye on as the airline begins deploying the program.