The Transportation Security Administration has undergone some pretty big changes in recent years, including putting an end to the controversial practice of making people take their shoes off when going through security. 

Real ID has also been adopted, and now fees are required for those without it, which has been a hassle for those who can’t easily update their IDs.

Now, however, the TSA is making another major change to the airport security process. While this change has started to roll out already, it’s slated to happen at many more airports this year.

Unfortunately, the upcoming change is a controversial one that not everyone supports.

The TSA will expand an existing program for some travelers.

Jim Lambert/Shutterstock

TSA is quietly making this major change to the security process in 2026

TSA recently announced the change to the security process, Travel Pulse reported.

The change involves plans to expand its Touchless ID program for people who signed up for the TSA PreCheck Program. 

The program is currently available in 15 airports, but is expected to come to 50 more by spring 2026. 

How does this change to the security process work?

“TSA PreCheck Touchless ID enhances the security screening process with facial comparison technology for faster, more efficient identity verification,” according to the TSA.

“Enrolled travelers with participating airlines can move through dedicated lanes with ease, enjoying a smoother and more convenient airport experience — an effortless way to start your travels.”

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Instead of having to show your identification, those who opt into touchless ID can just have their picture taken, and the TSA agent will verify their identity that way.  TSA explains that this is:

  • More efficient
  • More private
  • More secure
  • More convenient

Who is eligible for touchless ID? 

The following flyers will be eligible for touchless ID.

  • Those who have an active profile with a participating airline
  • TSA PreCheck members
  • Travelers who uploaded valid passport identification information to their profile with a participating airline

Which airports will get Touchless ID?

Certain airports have been identified as high-priority airports where touchless ID will arrive first. These include the following.

  • Anchorage (ANC)
  • Baltimore (BWI)
  • Boston (BOS)
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL)
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • Houston-Bush (IAH)
  • Houston-Hobby (HOU)
  • John Wayne-Orange County (SNA)
  • Kansas City (MCI)
  • Long Beach (LGB)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • Orlando (MCO)
  • West Palm Beach (PBI)
  • San Jose (SJC)
  • Sacramento (SMF)
  • Washington Dulles (IAD)

However, the program is also slated to arrive at a number of other airports in 2026 including Albuquerque (ABQ), Austin (AUS), Birmingham (BHM), Boise (BOI), Buffalo (BUF), Charleston, South Carolina (CHS), Chicago Midway (MDW), Cincinnati (CVG), Cleveland (CLE), Columbus (CMH), Hartford Bradley (BDL), Honolulu (HNL), Indianapolis (IND), Jacksonville (JAX), Milwaukee (MKE), Nashville (BNA), New Orleans (MSY), Oklahoma City (OKC), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Providence (PVD), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), San Antonio (SAT), San Diego (SAN), San Juan (SJU), St. Louis (STL), Tampa (TPA), Tulsa (TUL), and Westchester County (HPN).

Why is the Touchless ID change controversial?

The change to touchless ID for TSA PreCheck is controversial because of concerns about privacy issues.  

Facial recognition, in general, has been a hot-button issue since airports started introducing it.

According to a study conducted by The Algorithmic Justice League, 99% of people were not verbally told they could opt out of TSA’s facial recognition technology, and 51% were too uncomfortable to act on their right to opt out of face scans. 

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While participating in touchless ID is voluntary and requires active participation from flyers, there are concerns that the technology could be made mandatory in the future. 

Adding the option to choose only facial scans at more airports also serves to further entrench and normalize facial recognition technologies, which could make travelers feel more pressure to participate.

“No one should be required to have their face scanned to travel, and no government should have the power of a national surveillance system at its fingertips,” said Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in discussions of a previous bill aimed at protecting passengers’ rights surrounding these evolving tech tools.

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