Touchless TSA PreCheck is available at a growing number of airports, but not all

Touchless screening at TSA PreCheck lanes uses facial recognition and body scanners instead of fingerprint readers and physical pat-downs. The technology lets you move through security without removing your shoes, belt, light jacket, or laptop. As of now, touchless PreCheck is operational at major hubs including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), and several others, but the list changes as the TSA expands the program. Your airport may not have it yet, and even airports with touchless lanes sometimes have traditional PreCheck lanes running alongside them.

The TSA does not publish a single master list of which airports have touchless screening, so you will need to check with your specific airport or call ahead. Most major airports have a website section for security information, and the TSA's social media accounts occasionally announce new rollouts. If you arrive at an airport with touchless PreCheck available, you can use it with your existing PreCheck membership—no separate enrollment is needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Touchless PreCheck uses facial recognition instead of fingerprints and removes the need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops.
  • The technology is currently available at major airports including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, and San Francisco, with more being added.
  • Your airport's website or a call to the TSA checkpoint is the fastest way to confirm whether touchless screening is available at your departure airport.
  • You do not need to enroll separately or pay extra to use touchless PreCheck if you already have an active PreCheck membership.

How to learn about your airport has touchless screening

Start by visiting your airport's official website and searching for "security" or "TSA PreCheck." Most major airports have a dedicated page listing which screening technologies are available. Look for language about "touchless," "facial recognition," or "biometric" screening. If the website does not mention it, the airport likely does not have it yet.

You can also call the TSA directly at 1-855-347-8371 and ask whether touchless PreCheck is available at your airport. Have your airport code ready (the three-letter abbreviation on your boarding pass). The TSA can tell you which lanes have touchless screening and whether they are running that day, since equipment sometimes goes down for maintenance.

What happens when you use touchless PreCheck screening

When you enter a touchless PreCheck lane, you will see a camera and a full-body scanner. You place your ID and boarding pass in a reader, and the system scans your face to verify your identity. You then walk through an advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanner—the same type used in standard security lines, but in a PreCheck context it is faster and less intrusive.

You do not remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, or laptop. You do not place your hands on your head or spread your legs. The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 seconds. If the system cannot match your face or has any concern, an officer will direct you to a traditional screening lane for a standard pat-down and bag check.

Airports currently operating touchless PreCheck lanes

The following airports have confirmed touchless PreCheck screening as of the most recent updates:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
  • Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW)
  • Denver International (DEN)
  • Los Angeles International (LAX)
  • Miami International (MIA)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
  • San Francisco International (SFO)
  • Harry Reid International, Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Orlando International (MCO)
  • Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)

This list is not exhaustive and changes regularly as the TSA rolls out the technology to more airports. Smaller regional airports are less likely to have touchless screening, but the TSA has stated that the program will expand over time. Check your specific airport's website or call the TSA checkpoint to confirm availability before your trip.

What you need to use touchless PreCheck

You must have an active TSA PreCheck membership. Your membership is valid for five years from the date of enrollment. When you arrive at the airport, bring your PreCheck-approved ID (driver's license, passport, or other REAL ID-compliant document) and your boarding pass.

The facial recognition system works best when your face is clearly visible and matches the photo in your ID. Sunglasses, heavy makeup, or significant changes in appearance since your PreCheck enrollment can sometimes cause the system to flag you for manual verification. If this happens, an officer will perform a standard identity check and you can proceed.

Touchless PreCheck versus traditional PreCheck lanes

Traditional PreCheck lanes still exist at most airports and will continue to operate. The main differences are speed and physical contact. Touchless lanes use facial recognition and advanced imaging, while traditional PreCheck lanes use fingerprint readers and may include a light pat-down if the scanner detects an anomaly. Both are faster than standard security screening.

You cannot choose which type of lane you enter—the TSA directs you based on which lanes are staffed and available when you arrive. If you have a strong preference, you can ask an officer at the checkpoint, but they cannot may provide placement. Most travelers find both options significantly faster than standard screening.

What to expect if touchless screening is not available at your airport

If your airport does not have touchless PreCheck, you will use a traditional PreCheck lane if you have an active membership. You will still move faster than standard security, but you will need to remove your shoes and belt, take out your laptop, and place items in bins. Some airports are phasing in touchless screening gradually, so it may arrive at your airport within the next year or two.

If you travel frequently from an airport without touchless screening and want the faster experience, you can check whether nearby airports have it. For example, if you live between two major hubs, one may have touchless PreCheck while the other does not yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use touchless PreCheck if my airport has it?

No. If you prefer a traditional PreCheck lane or have concerns about facial recognition, you can ask an officer to direct you to a standard PreCheck lane instead. Both are faster than regular security screening.

Will touchless PreCheck work if I have changed my appearance since enrollment?

The system may flag you for manual verification if your current appearance differs significantly from your enrollment photo. This is not a problem—an officer will verify your identity manually and you will proceed. Significant changes like new glasses, facial hair, or weight loss can sometimes trigger this.

Is facial recognition data stored or shared?

The TSA states that facial recognition data is used only for identity verification at that moment and is not stored for later use. For detailed information about data handling, visit the TSA's website or call 1-855-347-8371.

What if the facial recognition system does not recognize me?

An officer will direct you to a manual verification process. You will show your ID and boarding pass, and an officer will confirm your identity. You can then proceed through security normally. This happens occasionally and does not delay you significantly.

Can I use touchless PreCheck with a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes, as long as your passport is REAL ID-compliant or you have another approved ID. The facial recognition system works with any valid ID that the TSA accepts for PreCheck screening.