With the recent decision to end the long-standing shoe-removal rule at airport security checkpoints, it's clear that U.S. travel is in the midst of big changes and modernization.
But it doesn’t stop there — the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing and expanding initiatives designed to make the passenger experience not only safer but also easier, smoother and more efficient.
Expanding the Touchless ID Program
First launched in 2021, TSA has now expanded its Precheck Touchless ID program to 15 total major U.S. airports. This secure program leverages enhanced facial recognition technology, known as Traveler Verification Service, to confirm a traveler’s identity by comparing a live image to existing photos previously provided to the federal government.
Touchless ID screening takes an average of eight seconds, compared with 18 to 20 seconds in standard PreCheck lanes, where photos are still verified manually against a physical or digital ID. By removing the need to present documents, the screening process becomes faster, reducing bottlenecks in PreCheck lanes while maintaining the highest security standards.
The program comes at no additional cost for PreCheck members, who already pay $77–$85 for enrollment. Participation is voluntary and travelers can opt out at any point, though TSA notes that photos already captured may still be stored. Currently, TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID is available at the following 15 U.S. airports:
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TSA is working with the following four major carriers to deploy the technology, with each airline participating at select airports:
- American Airlines: ATL, DCA, DEN, DFW, EWR, LAS, LGA, PDX, SEA, SLC
- Delta Air Lines: ATL, DCA, DEN, DTW, EWR, JFK, LAS, LAX, LGA, PDX, SEA, SLC
- United Airlines: ATL, DCA, DEN, EWR, LAS, LAX, LGA, ORD, PDX, SEA, SFO, SLC
- Alaska Airlines: ATL, DCA, DEN, LAX, PDX, SEA
While TSA has not announced a timeline for wider implementation, the agency has stated its intention to expand Touchless ID to additional airports and airline partners over time. To apply or learn more about enrolling in TSA’s Touchless ID, visit the official website here.
Introducing the One Stop Security Program
On August 27, TSA officially announced the launch of its One Stop Security (OSS) pilot program, designed to simplify the arrival and connection process for international travelers from certain foreign airports. With OSS, passengers can:
- Skip TSA rescreening upon arrival in the U.S. when connecting to a domestic flight
- Proceed directly to the terminal sterile area for connecting flights after clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection
- Avoid reclaiming/rechecking checked baggage, which will instead be automatically transferred to the next leg of the journey
This program tackles some of the biggest challenges of international travel, such as long congested lines, stressful connection windows and repeated bag checks. By eliminating duplicate procedures, TSA estimates OSS will cut connection times by more than half. The program is also expected to help reduce costs, optimize security and enhance overall traveler experience.
The program began as a trial in July through collaboration between TSA, U.S. CBP and the United Kingdom. The initial test routes included two flights from London Heathrow International Airport (LHR): an American Airlines service to DFW and a Delta Air Lines service to ATL. With the success of these trials, this program now applies to:
- American Airlines flights from LHR to DFW
- Delta flights from LHR to ATL
- Delta and Korean Air flights from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to ATL
It’s unspecified which other airlines and foreign airports will join the OSS program, though TSA has indicated plans to expand to additional routes and airports in the coming years. The agency also notes that participating foreign airports must meet its standards before being approved for the program.
