A Journey Without Physical Passports

Airports used to be synonymous with long lines and the repetitive task of flashing your passport. However, “Facial Recognition (Biometrics)” is now revolutionizing the travel experience. By linking digital identity with a simple facial scan, passengers can now navigate from check-in to boarding “hands-free” and seamless.

About Facial Recognition Technology (TSA)

The TSA “Touchless ID” program is being rolled out in partnership with major carriers. By Spring 2026, the service will be available at a total of 65 airports nationwide.

Delta Air Lines:

Locations: ATL (Atlanta), DCA (Washington-Reagan), DEN (Denver), EWR (Newark), IAD (Washington Dulles), IAH (Houston), LAS (Las Vegas), LAX (Los Angeles), LGA (New York-LaGuardia), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), PDX (Portland), SEA (Seattle-Tacoma), SFO (San Francisco), and SLC (Salt Lake City).

United Airlines:

Locations: ATL (Atlanta), DCA (Washington-Reagan), DEN (Denver), EWR (Newark), IAD (Washington Dulles), IAH (Houston), LAS (Las Vegas), LAX (Los Angeles), LGA (New York-LaGuardia), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), PDX (Portland), SEA (Seattle-Tacoma), SFO (San Francisco), and SLC (Salt Lake City).

American Airlines:

Locations: ATL (Atlanta), CLT (Charlotte), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth), DEN (Denver), LAS (Las Vegas), LAX (Los Angeles), MSP (Minneapolis-St. Paul), JFK (New York-JFK), LGA (New York-LaGuardia), EWR (Newark), PHL (Philadelphia), PDX (Portland), SLC (Salt Lake City), SFO (San Francisco), SEA (Seattle-Tacoma), and DCA (Washington-Reagan).

Others (Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, etc.):

Deployment is currently in progress. For the latest list of eligible airports and more information, please visit the Official TSA Website.

To use “Touchless ID,” travelers need TSA PreCheck® eligibility. For Japanese citizens and other eligible non-U.S. nationals, joining the Global Entry program is the most direct path to these benefits.

For details regarding the application process, please refer to the “International Arrangements” section on the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) website.

Full Partnership with Japan:

As of November 2024, Japan is an official partner, allowing Japanese citizens to apply via the standard process without needing special promotion codes.

Automatic TSA PreCheck Access:

Once approved for Global Entry, members automatically gain access to TSA PreCheck, enabling them to use expedited lanes and biometric “Touchless ID” at participating airports.

Online Application:

Visit the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website to begin your application and find more details.

For details regarding the application process, please refer to the “International Arrangements” section on the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) website.

This technology reduces identity verification time by more than 50%—clearing most passengers in 10 seconds or less. TSA emphasizes that the program is strictly opt-in. Images are typically deleted within 24 hours of flight departure, ensuring high privacy standards and data protection. We are entering an era where your face is truly your ticket. Next time you fly to the U.S., look out for the “Touchless ID” lane for a dramatically faster experience.

Information as of January 8, 2026. As regulations and eligible airports are subject to change, please verify the latest details on official TSA, CBP, or airline websites.

KIE will post updates about digital identification program.