Story perspectives

Travelers Embrace TSA PreCheck Touchless ID Amid Delays

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Travelers are increasingly turning to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which uses facial recognition, to speed identity verification at about 65 airports amid long security lines from a partial government shutdown.
To enroll, travelers must be TSA PreCheck members and opt-in via their airline's app, uploading necessary identification details.
Passengers still must carry a physical ID.
Staffing shortages due to unpaid workers have exacerbated wait times at checkpoints nationwide.

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Story summary

Travelers are increasingly turning to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which uses facial recognition, to speed identity verification at about 65 airports amid long security lines from a partial government shutdown.
To enroll, travelers must be TSA PreCheck members and opt-in via their airline's app, uploading necessary identification details.
Passengers still must carry a physical ID.
Staffing shortages due to unpaid workers have exacerbated wait times at checkpoints nationwide.