American Now Participating in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

American Airlines is rolling out Touchless ID for AAdvantage members at one of its biggest hubs, streamlining the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) process.

Here’s what you need to know.

Touchless ID Rolling Out at DCA, Other Airports

American Airlines first announced that it would roll out Touchless ID “in the months ahead” at the end of October 2024. Now, it’s available for passengers.

If you aren’t familiar with it, Touchless ID allows travelers to move through a separate security lane that uses facial recognition instead of a traditional boarding pass or ID.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is currently available at Washington Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). It will be available at the following airports, which American said are “coming soon”:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• New York-LaGuardia (LGA)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)

To use American’s TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, you’ll need to be an AAdvantage member (sign up for a free account here if you don’t already have one), have a Known Traveler Number and a valid passport, and opt in with American Airlines. Once you opt in, you can stay enrolled for a year and opt out at any time.

American Airlines isn’t the only airline that offers some form of touchless ID service. Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines participate in the TSA’s Touchless Identity Solution for Trusted Travelers program. However, Delta went a step further with Delta Digital ID. This program allows eligible Delta SkyMiles members to use a dedicated bag drop and security lines without presenting a traditional photo ID.

How To Opt In to Touchless ID

To opt in to American’s Touchless ID program, you must first log into your AAdvantage account. Next, you’ll save your passport and Known Traveler Number to your profile. If you’ve forgotten your Known Traveler Number and are a TSA PreCheck member, you can look up that information at this link.

You can opt in to the program via the American app through your profile, during check-in, or in the Ready to Fly hub. Finally, select “TSA PreCheck Touchless ID” to opt in, and you’ll be set.

To use it, you’ll check in for your flight online and look for the Touchless ID icon on your boarding pass. Once at the airport, simply use the dedicated Touchless ID security lane.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines is the latest carrier to roll out Touchless ID, streamlining the security screening process at busy airports. The program is simple enough to enroll in, and once you’ve enrolled, you can enjoy this benefit for a year.