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Are you looking for the most streamlined way to get to your gate or lounge? Delta Digital ID might be the solution. The service, which is available at select airports, enables you to check your bag and proceed through security without showing a paper boarding pass or physical government-issued ID.
Here's everything to know about Delta Digital ID — now called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID — including who qualifies for it and how to use it.
Page Contents
What Is Delta Digital ID?
Delta Digital ID offers a hands-free experience when checking bags and going through the security checkpoint. When you check in through the Fly Delta app, you will receive an invitation to opt in to Touchless ID if you are eligible and flying from an airport with Delta Digital ID capabilities. You only need to opt in once, and after that, you can use the lane any time you see the green icon.
At the airport, you'll look into a camera that will send your biographic information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's facial biometric matching service. The organization then verifies your identity against their image gallery. Once identified, you can proceed through security.
Essentially, you are using your own face as your form of identification. The benefit? You can leave your Real ID and boarding pass in your bag while traveling through the airport. No more rummaging through your bags and pockets to find your documents, only to then stuff them back in moments later as you enter the security checkpoint.
Touchless ID is similar to CLEAR Plus, which also uses your biometric information to verify your identity. The biggest difference between the two is that Touchless ID is only available to passengers with TSA PreCheck who are flying Delta. It's also free to use once you opt in.
Meanwhile, CLEAR is a paid membership service that's available at more airports and can be used regardless of the airline or a TSA PreCheck membership.
Related: Expedited Security Screening Programs: How To Get Them for Free
How To Get Delta Digital ID
To be eligible for Delta Digital ID, you need to be a TSA PreCheck member and have your passport information and Known Traveler Number stored in your Delta profile. Additionally, you need to be a SkyMiles member and have the Fly Delta app.
If you're a frequent Delta flyer, you've likely already joined the loyalty program and downloaded the app, so all you need to do is add your passport and Known Traveler Number to your profile.
After that, you should see both the blue TSA PreCheck icon and the green Touchless icon on your mobile boarding pass in the Fly Delta app.
Where Is Delta Digital ID Available?
Delta Touchless ID is currently only available in select airports, including:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Denver (DEN)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York City (LGA, JFK)
- Portland (PDX)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Washington, D.C. (DCA)
A dedicated Delta ID bag drop might not be available in all airports. Delta says it plans to expand this service to all its hubs by the end of 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you are a TSA PreCheck member and a Delta flyer, you'll likely get the opportunity to try Delta Digital ID yourself, if you haven't already. While it won't save you a ton of time, it does simplify the travel process by eliminating the need to carry your documents in hand when getting from the curb to your gate. Once you've opted in, feel free to use the Touchless ID lane any time you see the green icon.
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