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American Airlines says biometric screening is coming in partnership with TSA

Oct. 31, 2024
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3 min read
Biometric screening at Atlanta Airport (ATL)
American Airlines says biometric screening is coming in partnership with TSA
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American Airlines is joining the biometric screening party.

The Fort Worth-based airline said AAdvantage members will soon have access to streamlined security through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration.

The airline didn't reveal which airports will get access to the faster screening process at checkpoints through TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, saying only that it will roll out to select locations "in the months ahead."

“We want to give our customers an easy experience while they move through every point of their travel journey, and the airport is a big part of that,” Kim Cisek, American’s vice president of customer experience, said in a statement to TPG. “Introducing this option will help customers move more seamlessly from the airport lobby through TSA security to enjoy the next step in their travel."

American didn't reveal the program's full details, but it is expected to work similarly to the way Delta Air Lines and United Airlines operate biometric screening at select airports. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), for example, Delta operates a biometric screening lane that is often the fastest way through security.

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Biometric screening at Atlanta Airport (ATL). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
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American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue already use biometric boarding for many flights. Using it for security along with TSA seems to be the next logical step in the age of digital identification.

Delta digital ID notification. DELTA AIR LINES
Delta digital ID notification. DELTA AIR LINES

American says AAdvantage members can opt in by providing the following to confirm their eligibility:

  • AAdvantage number
  • Valid U.S. passport information
  • Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Members will have to renew enrollment once per year and can opt out at any time.

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Related: I tried TSA PreCheck biometric screening and it was a game changer

Other airlines also use biometric bag drop, which would be another welcome addition from American should the carrier decide to add it.

As for the Touchless ID program, it lets TSA PreCheck members flying United or Delta at select airports to use facial recognition to pass through TSA PreCheck security in just a few seconds.

American's customers who choose to opt in will likely hope that American's is as easy to use.

Related reading:

Featured image by CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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