Alaska Airlines Launches Touchless TSA PreCheck at Seattle Airport

Alaska Airlines is rolling out a cutting-edge feature to streamline the airport experience at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Starting June 26, travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can use Touchless ID technology, allowing them to move through security checkpoints using just a facial scan—no need to pull out a physical ID or boarding pass.

This feature is part of a broader expansion that includes major airports like Atlanta, Washington D.C., and soon Los Angeles and Portland.

What Is Alaska’s Touchless ID?

Touchless ID uses facial recognition to verify a traveler’s identity. Once enrolled, passengers simply look into a camera, and their identity is matched with information already linked to their travel profile. This allows for a completely hands-free security check-in process.

The technology is available to travelers who are part of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and have linked their passport and Known Traveler Number (KTN) to their Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. Once activated, a “Touchless ID” icon will appear on the passenger’s digital boarding pass.

What You Need to Use Touchless ID

To take advantage of this feature, travelers must:

• Be enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Link their passport and KTN to their Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account.
• Use the Alaska Airlines mobile app or website for check-in.

Although the system is designed to be fully digital, travelers are still advised to carry a REAL ID–compliant physical ID, just in case manual verification is needed.

Benefits of Using TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

This technology offers major benefits for frequent flyers and busy travelers:

• Faster security clearance – The face scan process takes only a few seconds, reducing wait times and congestion at checkpoints.
• Convenience – No need to present ID or boarding pass, making the process smoother and more efficient.
• Hygiene-friendly – Less contact with surfaces and staff, aligning with modern travel preferences.

Is It Safe and Reliable?

The system is designed with privacy and security in mind. Facial recognition data is encrypted, and images are used only to confirm identity at the checkpoint. Most travelers find the process smooth, though occasional hiccups can happen, such as needing to revert to manual ID checks if the system experiences downtime.

How to Get Started

1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you haven’t already.
2. Log into your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account and add your passport and KTN.
3. Check in with the Alaska Airlines app, and look for the Touchless ID icon on your boarding pass.
4. Show up at security and use the facial scan lane to move through quickly.

Alaska Airlines continues to lead in innovation by making the travel experience more seamless, secure, and contact-free. If you’re flying out of Seattle this summer, take advantage of this new technology and skip the hassle at security.