American Airlines is joining the biometric screening party.
The Fort Worth-based airline said AAdvantage members will soon have access to streamlined security through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration.
The airline did not disclose which airports will get access to the expedited screening process at checkpoints via TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, saying only that it will roll out to select locations “over the next month.”
“We want to give our customers a seamless experience as they move through every point of their travel journey, and airports are a big part of that,” said Kim Cisek, Americas vice president of customer experience, in a statement to TPG. “Introducing this option will help customers move more seamlessly from the airport lobby through TSA security to enjoy the next step of their journey.”
American has not released full details of the program, but it is expected to operate similarly to the way Delta Air Lines and United Airlines operate biometric screening at select airports. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), for example, Delta operates a biometric screening lane that is often the fastest route through security.
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American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue already use biometric boarding for many flights. Using it for security with the TSA seems to be the next logical step in the digital identity era.
American says AAdvantage members can choose to confirm their eligibility by providing the following:
- ADVANTAGE NO
- Valid US passport information
- Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Members have to renew the registration once every year and can opt out at any time.
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Related: I Tried TSA PreCheck Biometric Screening and It Was a Game Changer
Other airlines also use biometric bag drop, which would be a welcome addition from American should the carrier decide to add it.
As for the Touchless ID program, it allows TSA PreCheck members flying United or Delta at select airports to use facial recognition to get through TSA PreCheck security in just a few seconds.
American consumers who choose to choose will likely hope that American is easier to use.
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Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author alone, not of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.