Denver International Airport has introduced two security lanes utilizing biometric facial recognition for eligible passengers, joining the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck Touchless ID pilot program. This initiative, now active in 14 U.S. airports and involving four airlines—Alaska, American, Delta, and United— allows passengers to bypass physical IDs or boarding passes at checkpoints. 

TSA's program, rolled out over the summer, uses biometric cameras to capture passengers' facial images, which are compared to previously submitted government photos, such as those from passports or Global Entry. To participate, passengers must be enrolled in TSA's PreCheck program, have an active airline profile with uploaded passport details, and opt into the Touchless ID program. For American Airlines, membership in its AAdvantage loyalty program is also required. 

TSA emphasizes that the facial images are not used for law enforcement or surveillance and are deleted within 24 hours of a passenger's scheduled flight. DEN's CEO, Phil Washington, highlighted the program's commitment to safety and security. Unlike standard checkpoint procedures, where photos verify physical IDs, the Touchless lanes rely solely on facial recognition. 

The program operates at major airports, including Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York LaGuardia, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Reagan Washington National. Passengers are advised to carry a physical ID as a backup, as TSA officers may request it. American Airlines noted its close collaboration with TSA, focusing on hub airports.