*A partial government shutdown is creating serious headaches at airport security checkpoints across the country, but a new piece of technology is giving some travelers a way around the chaos.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which uses facial-comparison technology to verify passenger identities, is emerging as one of the few reliable tools for navigating the disruption, New York Post reports.
At the center of the problem is a workforce stretched to its breaking point. Tens of thousands of security officers have been compelled to show up and perform their duties without receiving a paycheck, and the strain has taken a visible toll. A significant number have chosen to step away entirely or simply stopped coming in, sending wait times soaring at checkpoints nationwide. The situation has deteriorated to the point where even trusted expedited options like TSA PreCheck and Clear have been unable to deliver meaningful time savings, according to the Washington Post.
Developed through a joint effort involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, airports, and airlines, the touchless system gives enrolled passengers access to dedicated screening lanes that keep them clear of the worst backups. American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United are among the carriers currently participating in the program.
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Signing up requires advance preparation. Travelers must register through the travel documents section of their airline loyalty account prior to checking in and satisfy three conditions — an active profile with a participating airline, a TSA PreCheck enrollment with a Known Traveler Number, and a passport number linked to their account. A REAL ID-compliant physical ID must still be carried at all times, as security personnel retain the right to request one at any point during screening.
Those who have made the effort say the results speak for themselves. One traveler shared their experience on social media, writing, “We were dropped off this morning at 5:35 am and were thru [sic] security at 5:45 am. TSA precheck touchless for the win.”
How are we making the fast lane even faster? TSA PreCheck Touchless ID!
We’ve rolled out this program at select airports when traveling with certain air carriers.
Learn how to opt-in on our website: https://t.co/1DvfXDXumc pic.twitter.com/9gLLhX9riq
— TSA (@TSA) April 28, 2025
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: TSA Lines Hit Three Hours Amid Government Shutdown
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