Some frustrated passengers are waiting hours in line at airports around the country, due to a stalemate over Department of Homeland Security funding, which has resulted in many TSA officers working without pay to walk off the job.
At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, lines were out the door earlier this week, according to the airport’s X account that posted this video of passengers waiting in the dark at 4:30 a.m.
And it gets worse. According to the Transportation Security Administration, many airports could “literally shut down . . . particularly smaller ones,” if TSA officers continue to call out instead of coming to work, CNN reported. While TSA can’t technically close an airport, the catch is, planes can’t take off without passengers and crews going through security.
But there is one hack many travelers are missing out on that could save them time and frustration: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
Here’s what to know.
What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and how do I get it?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which is available in select airports for participating airlines (see below), uses facial recognition technology to verify your identity for faster processing. Its own dedicated lane often moves faster than regular TSA Precheck. Instead of showing your ID at security, TSA will scan your face (however, you must of course be comfortable with this).
Interested passengers must sign up before they check in for their flight. Here’s how to update your airline profile, according to TSA:
- Enter Known Traveler Number (KTN)
- Enter valid passport number and country
- Select “OPT IN” on your profile or at check-in at these participating airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
- Check this list of participating airports
Finally, check your mobile or printed boarding pass to make sure the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID logo appears. This must be on your boarding pass to allow lane entry.
What’s a tip for checking the wait times for airport TSA lines?
The best ways to monitor live TSA wait times and airport lines include:
- CNN live updates: The Cable News Network is tracking current TSA wait times at 16 major airports across the United States, including in Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver. Here are some current wait times at the time of this writing on Thursday afternoon:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, TX (65 minutes)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York (43 min)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, NJ (21 min)
- Salt Lake City Intl. Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah (21 min)
- MyTSA app: This free app provides around-the-clock times of TSA lines, every 15 minutes.
- Airport websites: Many major airports have their own website, where they are tracking live wait times at various terminals and checkpoints, including: LaGuardia airport (LGA) in New York; Los Angeles International airport (LAX); and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Because they are collecting data on the ground, these tend to be more accurate.
- TSA and individual airport social media accounts: Before heading to the airport, try following @TSA on X, or your place of departure (like @BostonLogan for Boston’s Logan International Airport).
What hacks are people posting on social media?
One Instagram, one user posted: “the biggest hidden TSA secret at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is officially out. Those who know . . . know!” The post came after the airport’s official social media account warned passengers not to try to hack long lines at its domestic checkpoint by checking in at the international checkpoint.
The social media discussion comes after someone tried the trick on Tuesday, sparking an incident that caused even more congestion and delays. “If you are flying, please use Domestic Security Checkpoints, @ATLairport warned.
Meanwhile, this Reddit Travel Hacks thread has suggestions on how to get through the actual screening checkpoints faster—including sporting a wearable vest for your valuables.