Airlines and airports have been revolutionizing travel by implementing and accepting new technologies. These initiatives not only streamline operations but also facilitate a seamless experience for passengers. Although TSA Precheck at various airports in the USA has been making the security screening process easier, it’s essential to acknowledge that during peak hours the TSA PreCheck line can be overwhelming. To address this challenge, United Airlines partnership with TSA will definitely bring a transformative impact to air travel.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is further enhancing the airport experience with the expansion of its touchless identification program. This cutting-edge technology utilizes facial recognition for TSA PreCheck customers who opt-in. It eliminates the need for boarding passes or physical IDs at select security checkpoints. 

United Airlines Partnership with TSA

In collaboration with United Airlines, TSA’s Touchless ID program will be implemented at two major airports in USA – Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This initiative will enhance the travel experience for passengers on United Airlines flights who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

How will the TSA’s touchless ID program work? 

The innovative touchless process allows travelers to move through security more quickly by leveraging facial recognition technology. This will let United Airlines passengers skip the TSA PreCheck line at the LAX and Chicago Airport. During testing, passengers using the bag drop shortcut enjoy a smoother journey without showing physical IDs. Physical ID checks are still required alongside facial scans for now. Upon successful testing, travelers can seamlessly navigate security using facial recognition, eliminating the need for physical documents. 

Also Read: Air India Likely to Add Direct Flights to Seattle, Dallas and Los Angeles in its Winter Schedule 

Seamless Bag Drop Services 

United Airlines has integrated facial recognition for bag drop services at O’Hare, streamlining the check-in process. Meanwhile, LAX is implementing facial recognition exclusively for TSA pre flight security, with plans to introduce the bag drop feature by March 2024.

As technology continues to evolve, the travel industry is witnessing transformative changes that prioritize passenger convenience and safety. Touchless TSA PreCheck processes mark a significant step toward a future where air travel is not only secure but also incredibly streamlined for passengers.

Traveling from these airports in USA to India can not just be seamless but also affordable. After enrolling yourself in the TSA PreCheck program, you can book your flights with Indian Eagle. This flight booking company has been a trusted travel partner for the Indian diaspora in the USA for 15+ years now. So, why wait? Book your Indian Eagle itinerary today and get ready for a streamlined travel experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will such digital ID programs at US airports help passengers?
Dedicated check-in lanes for digital ID programs provide passengers with a seamless experience. This will allow them to bypass the regular TSA PreCheck line.

Was United Airlines the first US airline to implement this touchless technology? No, Delta Air Lines has also implemented similar touchless technology at some airports in the USA like Atlanta, Detroit, JFK and LaGuardia. 

At which airports in USA is United Airlines implementing the TSA PreCheck touchless ID program?
For now United Airlines is implementing its touchless TSA pre-flight services at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). So, if you are traveling through flights from Chicago or LAX, you will have a seamless airport experience. 

Is any other airline in USA planning on implementing a touchless security screening process?
Yes, American Airlines plans to join the touchless revolution with aims to implement similar services at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The airline’s future expansion includes Miami, Phoenix, and Washington DC by the end of 2024. With successful implementation, soon passengers across airports in the USA can skip the TSA PreCheck line for a hassle-free airport experience.

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The US summer travel chaos has been in the news lately and it continues to worsen! Airlines are cancelling thousands of flights by the minute and travelers are in a flux with increasing airport security wait times along with other flight-related issues. Amidst all this turbulence comes the news about The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rolling out new tech for seamless experience for passengers – a much-needed relief for those living in the USA.

For those familiar with TSA PreCheck can attest to the fact that this program is a really great convenience for passengers. Now, with the introduction of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) scanners; expect some relief by way of reduced security wait times at US airports. With CAT, passengers need not present their boarding passes to TSA agents. But they will still need to present it at the boarding gate for enhanced airport security as usual.

How will the introduction of CAT benefit passengers? Well, to begin with; even a few seconds of waiting time reduction can mean a significant curtailment in the wait times of passengers further along the security check lines.

How will these CAT scanners verify data? These scanners have seamless connectivity with Secure Flight Database. Secure Flight is another pre-screening program by the TSA and was launched in 2009. It pre-identifies passengers as high-risk or low-risk. It is connected to Federal database. TSA PreCheck is a pre-screening program for low-risk passengers and was launched in 2013. So, CAT will have access to passengers’ flight details for the upcoming 24 hours. The passengers will enter their ID into the scanner, which will quickly identify their details and verify the same.  It will accept any official ID such as passport, resident card, driver’s license etc.

TSA plans to introduce CAT at all US airports; both big and small. Currently, 176 airports (as per a May 10 data) have more than 1600 CAT scanners currently in use. Based on improvements regarding security check times; TSA is planning to add more airports in the list for CAT upgrades.

Are there any more TSA upgrades in the works? Yes, in fact the TSA has also begun to roll out Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to further facilitate airport screening process. These scanners will furnish 3D images of items passengers take through the TSA checkpoints. This process will eliminate the need for a secondary security checkpoint inspection.

Are these measures too late and too little? These new upgrades; especially the CAT rollout, may seem very insignificant in terms of a micro view. But when you consider the cumulative effects of the saved seconds and minutes; the benefits to passengers are likely to be quite significant. Given that airport security wait times can be extremely harrowing for passengers; especially during the holiday season; these TSA upgrades are a welcome measure. Whether you are used to checking your TSA precheck status every time you fly (because it is so convenient) or not affected by travel chaos (yet); you are likely to agree that airport upgrades benefiting passengers need to be implemented ASAP as per the ever-changing requirements for flight travel and enhanced security measures.

TSA, it seems, is certainly is up to the task.

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To all the frequent travelers reading this, have you ever heard of TSA PreCheck? We bet you have. Like many travelers, do you also imagine what is this program and how can you get it? In simple words, TSA PreCheck is an expedited program that you can use to speed up the airport processes. The airport programs like TSA PreCheck are formulated for different types of travelers –who are frequent traveler or doesn’t even have a passport.  In this blog, you will find all information related to the TSA PreCheck Program to help you understand if it is a beneficial thing for you. Read on for the key elements of TSA PreCheck.

What do you get from TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck offers you an expedited passage to get through the Transportation Security Administration at several airports in the United States and dozens of major airlines when flying domestically. With TSA, you can easily pass through the security without removing the shoes, taking off your jacket or belt, and taking out any liquids and electronics from your bag. According to reports, a passenger with TSA PreCheck needs to wait hardly 5 minutes to get through the airport security. Aren’t these TSA PreCheck benefits tempting?

How can you get TSA PreCheck?

If you are interested in getting TSA PreCheck, you have to apply online for the pre-approval. Once you are pre-approved, you will be asked to schedule a meeting for the back ground check and a necessary 10-minute interview. The background check involves in-person fingerprinting. You will also require some important documents like an unexpired U.S. photo identification card issued by the government and proof of citizenship (driver’s license or passport and birth certificate). Enrolling to the TSA PreCheck program will cost you around $85 (price may wary) for five years. After successful enrollment, you will receive a ‘known travel number’ which you must provide while booking cheap flight tickets to ensure you can use TSA PreCheck privileges.

Can you get your family through TSA PreCheck?

According to the rules of TSA PreCheck, children below the age of 13 years can have the privilege of expedited TSA PreCheck line, no matter they are enrolled in the program or not. However, travelers of age 13 years and above are not allowed to get through the TSA PreCheck lane. They will have to go towards the regular security check-in desk.

Does TSA PreCheck guarantee expedited passage through security?

No. According to a statement made by the TSA, any unpredictable security measure is noticed by it and every passenger without the ISA PreCheck will have to go through security scanning. The ones enrolled with TSA expedited program will have the benefit of expedited screening, provided it is offered at the airport and the airlines you are flying in.

When should I renew my TSA PreCheck?

Your TSA PreCheck Membership remains valid for five years post which you need to reapply for the program.

Are all airports and airlines participating in the TSA PreCheck program?

No. Currently, around 200 U.S. airports and 70 airlines are a part of the expedited program. It is essential to check the list or participating airports and airlines before enrolling in the program to ensure you can have maximum benefit from the purchase. Check if your home airport has a place in the list of airports. Like if you are from San Francisco, make sure there is TSA PreCheck at SFO airport.

Will my credit card or loyalty program cover the price of TSA PreCheck?

It is possible. Some credit cards, mainly the ones that charge a fee will cover or reimburse the charges you pay for TSA PreCheck. You can refer to the list of credit cards offering TSA PreCheck cover feature online.

Can I cover international travel by TSA PreCheck?

Not exactly. TSA is an acronym for ‘U.S. Transportation Security Administration’ and thus it exclusively applies to domestic departures at airports where TSA officers have complete jurisdiction and separate lanes for TSA PreCheck is set up. The reason behind saying ‘not exactly’ is that it applies to the departures from U.S. to foreign countries but not while returning to the United States from a country abroad. Another condition where the TSA PreCheck doesn’t apply is while you go through the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) screening.

To sum up, being a frequent traveler from the United States of America, you can get enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program and have the privilege of saving crucial time at the airport. No hassle of waiting in long queues at the security check lines. Just get through the security customs within a few minutes.

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