Is TSA facial recognition coming to Jacksonville airport? What to know

Doris Alvarez Cea and C. A. Bridges, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union

Thu, January 15, 2026 at 6:07 PM UTC

3 min read

Getting through security at Jacksonville International Airport could soon be quicker and easier thanks to TSA’s expanding facial recognition technology.

The Transportation Security Administration has made several changes over the past year to make the process smoother while maintaining security, including dropping the "take off your shoes" requirement, adding express lines for military travelers and families and promoting the PreCheck program that allows you to verify your identity ahead of time.

Last year, the TSA also launched the PreCheck Touchless ID program, an addition to PreCheck that allows passengers to pass through security checkpoints without presenting an ID Card or boarding pass. You just show your face.

As of Jan. 13, the Touchless ID program is available at 15 U.S. airports for participating airlines, but it's expanding to 65 by this spring including Florida's major airports, including Jacksonville's International Airport.

Here’s what travelers flying out of JAX should know.

When will TSA PreCheck Touchless ID be available at Jacksonville International Airport?

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID will be available at JAX at the main security checkpoint Feb. 19, 2026.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID expansion map

Which six Florida airports are getting TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?

According to a list from The Points Guy, the following Florida airports will receive TSA PreCheck Touchless ID:

By the end of January:
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
By February and later this spring:
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): starting February 19, 2026
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)

They're part of 50 airports nationwide getting the program by this spring.

What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?

Instead of asking for your ID card or boarding pass, TSA agents use facial recognition technology called Traveler Verification Service to create a biometric template of your face and compare it to images you previously provided to the federal government, similar to using Face ID to unlock your phone.

You must already have an updated profile with a participating airline, have TSA PreCheck, and have a valid passport.

Participation is optional and you can opt out even if you've signed up for it. You must still carry a valid, acceptable physical ID and boarding pass and present them if asked.

How do I sign up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?

You must already be signed up for TSA PreCheck.

Go to each participating airline profile you have and update it. Follow the prompts. You'll need to add your KTN (Known Traveler Number), upload an image of your passport and select "OPT IN."

When you check in on your airline's app, you'll be alerted if Touchless ID is an option. If you opt in, you'll be given a consent indicator on your mobile boarding pass. The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator must appear on your mobile boarding pass before you can enter the dedicated Touchless ID lane.

What if I don't want to use it? Does the TSA use it to catch people?

You don't have to use the service, even if you've signed up for it. Just don't opt in when you get the alert. A previously taken photo may still be stored, the TSA said.

According to the TSA, the facial recognition system is not used to profile and deport passengers.

"TSA is using facial comparison technology at the airport to improve and automate identity verification of passengers, not for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes," the agency's FAQ says. "Additionally, TSA does not tolerate racial profiling."

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

PreCheck Touchless ID is free for anyone who already have TSA PreCheck.

The initial cost of TSA PreCheck ranges from $76.75 to $85.

Which airlines use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?

Currently, the following airlines use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, according to the TSA:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines

Contributing: C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JAX airport to launch TSA facial recognition. What can travelers expect?

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