Passengers can soon fly American Airlines using the TSA’s touchless ID program

American Airlines AAdvantage members will be able to use Touchless ID at select airpots

By Mark Reif Published November 4, 2024

American Airlines tail livery — American Airlines

Flying to destinations new and old brings a sense of excitement and anticipation. But going through airport security can throw a wrench in the process. Long lines, showing IDs, taking off shoes — all create a hassle before taking to the skies.

But the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new PreCheck Touchless ID program lets passengers avoid that, with facial recognition replacing a driver’s license and boarding pass. Soon, American Airlines AAdvantage members can use program, for a smoother, easier trip.

Recommended Videos

How TSA PreCheck Touchless ID works

American Airlines airplanes at airport — American Airlines

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program works by comparing a secure biometric template of a passenger’s face to a previously provided photo from a U.S. passport or visa. After a match takes place, travelers can move through an airport freely, no longer held up at checkpoints.

To participate in the program, AAdvantage members must opt in to confirm eligibility, providing their AAdvantage number, valid U.S. passport information, and Known Traveler Number (KTN). Travelers receive a KTN when approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

According to American, the program will become available at select airports in the coming months. Members only have to enroll once annually and can opt out whenever they want.

Kim Cisek, American’s Vice President of Customer Experience, said: ““We want to give our customers an easy experience while they move through every point of their travel journey, and the airport is a big part of that. Introducing this option will help customers move more seamlessly from the airport lobby through TSA security to enjoy the next step in their travel.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

This Nordic European airline expands its U.S. schedule in 2025

Finnair expands schedule in 2025

finnair airplane

This week, Finland’s national airline, Finnair, announced it’s largest-ever U.S.-bound schedule for the summer of 2025. Also included are more routes to Asia, matching levels last seen in 2019. The flights embark from the carrier’s Helsinki hub. U.S. destinations include Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Seattle, while Asian offerings include Osaka and Nagoya, Japan and Shanghai, China.
Finnair’s packed 2025 schedule
Los Angeles, California Jeremy Bishop via Unsplash

Beginning March 30, 2025, Finnair will fly from Helsinki to L.A. five days per week, up from last summer’s three. The airline will offer daily flights from Finland to Chicago, an increase over the previous five per week. Seattle-bound passengers can pick from two additional flights next summer, and Dallas-bound travelers can choose from up to 11 routes per week (twice daily on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday).

Travel

American Airlines is testing software that enforces boarding zones

American Airlines tests out new boarding software

American Airlines plane in flight

Boarding a plane can be a hectic experience. Those in front have a clear path to their seats, while those at the end of the line face wait times and crowded overhead bins. Some might even skip ahead of their assigned boarding zone to get a leg up on the process. But with boarding zones assigned by cabin class, airlines aren’t keen on economy passengers skipping ahead.

To combat the issue, American Airlines is testing software to enforce boarding zones and stop line-skippers in their tracks. Here’s how it works.
How American Airlines’ boarding zone software works

Travel

American Airlines receives tentative approval for direct route from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

American Airlines to add direct flight between Texas and Washington

San Antonio, Texas

Yesterday, American Airlines received tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a nonstop, round-trip flight between San Antonio, Texas, and Washington, D.C. The route will provide a quick trip to the capital, and the first flights will occur in the coming months.
The new Texas to Washington route benefits both regions
Lafayette Park, Washington, D.C. Pixabay

American Airlines’ new San Antonio to D.C. flight provides a corridor between the cities, bringing new economic and travel opportunities. During the application process, the airline submitted more than 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community, including military organizations, mayors, bipartisan members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, chambers of commerce, and advocacy groups.