American Airlines launches TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at 4 airports, with more hubs to come
Quick summary
American Airlines has finally gone live with one of the biggest time-savers that exists today at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
The carrier on Thursday launched TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at four major airports, including two of its busy East Coast hubs.
As part of the new partnership, TSA PreCheck members flying with American will be able to fly through checkpoints without showing their physical ID or boarding pass.
The program just launched for American flyers at its Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) hubs, along with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Read more: I tried the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program at O'Hare — and it's a game changer
Travelers using TSA Touchless ID will get their photo taken once they approach the agent, and they won't need to pull out a driver's license or passport. To verify the traveler's identity, the system will quickly compare that image to others the government has on file, like the one on a passport or in a trusted traveler program like Global Entry.
American had announced last fall it would join in on the TSA's faster, high-tech screening process. TPG's Clint Henderson noted in October that this biometric setup has, at times, proven faster than paid services like Clear at airports where competing airlines (such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) had already partnered with the TSA.
American hopes to expand Touchless ID to more airports across its network, with a particular focus on its biggest hubs.
Read more: TSA PreCheck travelers will no longer have to show ID or boarding pass at certain airports
How to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on American
Travelers who want to opt into the faster security process must update their AAdvantage profile on the American website.
It took me all of two minutes.
You'll want to log in and go to the "information and password" section of your profile.
There, you'll need to add your passport number and expiration date.
Then, click the box to opt in to TSA Touchless ID.
It's optional, so travelers who don't want to opt into the touchless program can stick with showing the agent their identification each time they fly.
Travelers will need to renew their enrollment in the program each year.
It's free, aside from the existing membership fee required to access the TSA PreCheck lanes. For new members, TSA PreCheck starts at $78 for a five-year membership.
Global Entry, which offers both PreCheck access and an expedited trip through U.S. Customs and Border Protection passport control, costs $120.
A handful of popular travel credit cards will reimburse members for their application fees.
Related reading:
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- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines