Wait, There's a Faster TSA PreCheck Line?

On my recent trip through Denver International Airport, heading home from The Travel Society conference, I noticed something interesting: Curtis and I were standing in different TSA PreCheck lines.

Wait… there are different TSA PreCheck lines?

Apparently so!

Curtis was in a special line for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, while I was in the regular TSA PreCheck line, completely unaware this was even an option.

Naturally, I had to investigate.

Once I got home, I looked into it and discovered just how easy it was to enroll. Within minutes, I had set it up with both Delta and United.

If you already have TSA PreCheck, this is one little travel hack worth knowing about.

So, What's the Difference?

With regular TSA PreCheck, you typically present your ID to a TSA officer before heading through security screening.

With TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, you can use a designated line at participating airports. Instead of presenting your ID, you simply look into a camera that uses facial recognition technology to verify your identity.

You still go through security screening, but the identity verification process is designed to be quicker and more convenient.

The real perk? Touchless ID lines can be shorter than regular TSA PreCheck lines, potentially saving you even more time at the airport.

Of course, there's no guarantee of a shorter wait, but when you're navigating a busy airport, every minute counts.

How to Set It Up with Delta

If you're a Delta traveler, getting started is surprisingly simple.

Here's what you'll need:

• A Delta SkyMiles account
• Active TSA PreCheck membership and your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
• A valid, unexpired passport
• The Fly Delta app

Then follow these steps:

1. Open the Fly Delta app and go to My Account.
2. Select Profile.
3. Make sure your Known Traveler Number and passport information are saved and up to date.
4. Find Touchless ID and toggle it on.
5. Follow any additional prompts to verify your passport information.

That's it! If your information is already saved, enrollment takes just a minute or two.

Before your next flight, check in through the Fly Delta app and look for the TSA PreCheck indicator and green Touchless ID icon on your mobile boarding pass.

Flying United? United also offers Touchless ID enrollment for eligible MileagePlus members. Check your United app or MileagePlus profile for the option to opt in.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Touchless ID isn't available everywhere just yet. It's offered at select airports, including Denver, and participation varies by airline.

You can check Delta's list of participating airports before your next trip.

A few other things worth remembering:

• It's completely optional. If you're not comfortable using facial recognition, regular TSA PreCheck is still available.
• Bring your physical ID. Even with Touchless ID enabled, TSA may occasionally ask to see it.
• Check your boarding pass. Look for the Touchless ID indicator to confirm you're eligible to use the dedicated lane for that flight.

One More Trick for Your Travel Toolkit

After years of traveling, I'm always surprised when I discover something that makes the airport experience just a little easier.

This was one of those moments.

It took only a few minutes to set up, costs nothing extra for eligible TSA PreCheck members, and could save some valuable time on future trips.

And perhaps most importantly, Curtis and I might actually end up in the same security line next time!