American Airlines launches TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at 4 airports, with more hubs to come
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:
- Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
- What is American Airlines elite status worth?
- 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
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app