You Won't Need an ID Anymore Under TSA's New Pilot Program at 14 Airports

Date: Category:News Views:2 Comment:0


Forgot your driver's license of passport but trying to travel at an airport? You might soon be able to choose facial recognition identification instead.

The Transportation Security Administration has pioneered a pilot facial recognition identification program, and four major airlines have now joined it. They are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, according to Aviation Week.

TSA Has Rolled Out the Pilot Program in Summer 2025 at 14 Airports

According to Aviation Week, the pilot program is occurring for the first time this summer at 14 airports. Passengers must have an "active profile" with the airline they are flying with to participate.

Passengers also "must already be members of TSA's trusted traveler PreCheck program and upload valid passport information to an airline profile," Aviation Week reported. If they do so, they don't need to have an ID in hand to get through security if they pass the facial comparison technology.

The latest airport to join the TSA's "PreCheck Touchless ID program" is Denver International Airport, which "opened two security screening lanes in which eligible passengers can move through checkpoints using biometric facial recognition as their sole form of identification," the publication noted.

TSA agents verify passengers identities on a checkpoint at Miami International Airport as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide, Wednesday May 07, 2025. (Pedro Portal/The Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)<p><a  href="https://news.cenet.top/?Jz52_wlts&url=zqympqZuk2Tcqt1gyMbY19yfocfKx6hgnKijlJvLq8LPpGFoZWWcapdpmWuY" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Miami Herald/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Miami Herald/Getty Images</a></p>
TSA agents verify passengers identities on a checkpoint at Miami International Airport as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide, Wednesday May 07, 2025. (Pedro Portal/The Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Miami Herald/Getty Images

"Identity verification is foundational to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) risk-based approach to transportation security by verifying each traveler receives the appropriate level of risk-based screening," TSA explains. "TSA strives to enhance security effectiveness and improve operational efficiency, while creating an enhanced traveler experience and strengthening privacy."

TSA "introduced facial comparison technology into the screening process at select airports. The facial comparison technology represents a significant security enhancement and improves traveler convenience," TSA added.

"A traveler may voluntarily agree to use their face to verify their identity during the screening process by presenting their physical identification or passport," the agency noted.

"The facial comparison technology TSA uses helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on the identification document (ID) credential. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology."

Added TSA: "TSA is grounding its exploration of facial comparison solutions in rigorous scientific study and analysis to include alignment with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards and applies stringent safeguards for traveler privacy and convenience"

The agency noted: "TSA is currently updating CAT-2 screens with clear language that notifies travelers they may decline having their photo taken. TSA also has signage posted at the checkpoint indicating that the technology is optional and travelers may decline having their photo taken. Travelers under 18 are not photographed."

Related: Delta Air Lines Makes Major Change Affecting Hundreds of Workers

You Won't Need an ID Anymore Under TSA's New Pilot Program at 14 Airports first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 10, 2025

Comments

I want to comment

◎Welcome to participate in the discussion, please express your views and exchange your opinions here.