Mar 17, 2024, 11:54 pm
Last edit by: RobOnLI
What Is United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
It is two things: (1) A way to check bags without presenting a physical ID* and (2) a way to clear the TSA checkpoint without presenting a boarding pass or physical ID. The TSA calls it “TSA PreCheck®: Touchless Identity Solution”. You can read more about it and how it works here. Delta offers their own version which they brand “Delta Digital ID”.
*A physical ID is required during the current “testing phase” when checking bags.
How do I participate in United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
1. Be sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your United profile.
2. Add your passport to your United profile.
3. Travel on a single-passenger reservation.
4. Be over the age of 18.
5. Check in on your mobile device, and opt-in when prompted.
If you do everything right, you will see this logo on your digital boarding pass next to the standard PreCheck logo.
Where can I use United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
At ORD and LAX. More airports are planned for the future. United will add to the list here (scroll down).
So how well does United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID work?
Read the thread for posters’ experiences, but so far: Not so well to check bags and very well to go through the TSA checkpoint.
I’m confused; haven’t I already used facial recognition to fly on United?
Probably, but this optional way to clear the TSA checkpoint without a physical ID and boarding pass is new for United travelers. To disambiguate, feel free to read more about the TSA’s various biometrics initiatives here, and about CBP’s here. Feel free to debate them here.
It is two things: (1) A way to check bags without presenting a physical ID* and (2) a way to clear the TSA checkpoint without presenting a boarding pass or physical ID. The TSA calls it “TSA PreCheck®: Touchless Identity Solution”. You can read more about it and how it works here. Delta offers their own version which they brand “Delta Digital ID”.
*A physical ID is required during the current “testing phase” when checking bags.
How do I participate in United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
1. Be sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your United profile.
2. Add your passport to your United profile.
3. Travel on a single-passenger reservation.
4. Be over the age of 18.
5. Check in on your mobile device, and opt-in when prompted.
If you do everything right, you will see this logo on your digital boarding pass next to the standard PreCheck logo.
Where can I use United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
At ORD and LAX. More airports are planned for the future. United will add to the list here (scroll down).
So how well does United® TSA PreCheck Touchless ID work?
Read the thread for posters’ experiences, but so far: Not so well to check bags and very well to go through the TSA checkpoint.
I’m confused; haven’t I already used facial recognition to fly on United?
Probably, but this optional way to clear the TSA checkpoint without a physical ID and boarding pass is new for United travelers. To disambiguate, feel free to read more about the TSA’s various biometrics initiatives here, and about CBP’s here. Feel free to debate them here.
United app offering TSA Precheck Touchless ID (LAX, ORD, ...)
Nov 1, 2023, 8:43 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 562
United app offering TSA Precheck Touchless ID (LAX, ORD, ...)
Anyone else seeing this at check in the day of or has used it before?
I didn't see when option when I checked in near T-24 and then the option popped up the day of departure but I SDC'd to tmr and that option sadly disappeared before I could check it out
I didn't see when option when I checked in near T-24 and then the option popped up the day of departure but I SDC'd to tmr and that option sadly disappeared before I could check it out
Nov 1, 2023, 11:12 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
Is this referring to biometric facial recognition?
Nov 1, 2023, 6:23 pm
#3
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Nov 2, 2023, 1:10 am
#5
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Nov 2, 2023, 8:59 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2022
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 65
I had this pop up when checking in for a flight leaving ORD this morning. I opted in but had nothing out of the ordinary happen at the airport. Went through T2 precheck instead of T1- could be why I didn't see anything.
Nov 2, 2023, 9:17 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DEN
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Posts: 3,930
Looks like United is connecting to this program: https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id
The United App might be added to the list of Airline apps that can function as a digital ID.
I tried using my CO digital drivers license as an ID at DEN a few months ago and the TSA agent said that the Wifi connection was terrible, so the scanner didn't work well. I then tried more recently, but I didn't realize that I had to double click the side button on my iPhone, so it failed. Maybe the next time I will do it better.
The United App might be added to the list of Airline apps that can function as a digital ID.
I tried using my CO digital drivers license as an ID at DEN a few months ago and the TSA agent said that the Wifi connection was terrible, so the scanner didn't work well. I then tried more recently, but I didn't realize that I had to double click the side button on my iPhone, so it failed. Maybe the next time I will do it better.
Nov 2, 2023, 11:59 am
#10
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I tried using my CO digital drivers license as an ID at DEN a few months ago and the TSA agent said that the Wifi connection was terrible, so the scanner didn't work well. I then tried more recently, but I didn't realize that I had to double click the side button on my iPhone, so it failed. Maybe the next time I will do it better.
Nov 2, 2023, 2:39 pm
#11
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I'm not sure what problem this is trying to s
lve. If/when they want to see my ID I take it out of my pocket. I even have a few to choose from. That certainly beats figuring out which application to use, making sure that the barcode is visible and not covered by notification of a received message, etc.
lve. If/when they want to see my ID I take it out of my pocket. I even have a few to choose from. That certainly beats figuring out which application to use, making sure that the barcode is visible and not covered by notification of a received message, etc.
Nov 2, 2023, 2:45 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bellingham/Gainesville
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I'm not sure what problem this is trying to slve. If/when they want to see my ID I take it out of my pocket. I even have a few to choose from. That certainly beats figuring out which application to use, making sure that the barcode is visible and not covered by notification of a received message, etc.
lve. If/when they want to see my ID I take it out of my pocket. I even have a few to choose from. That certainly beats figuring out which application to use, making sure that the barcode is visible and not covered by notification of a received message, etc.
Nov 2, 2023, 2:47 pm
#13
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meone upthread also says this takes longer than just scanning an ID.
Nov 2, 2023, 3:11 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Posts: 2,808
Tsa isn't there to help the passenger 😕. They are checking id, electronically i presume. In this case it's to check ID. Valid ID means you board the flight. At some point most id validation will be electronic I am sure.
Nov 2, 2023, 3:14 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DEN
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Posts: 3,930
Not to mention that if this starts working well, you could use automated turnstiles to do the validation (kind of like the automated passport process in the EU). In this case, it's not about boarding, but about getting through TSA.