In JACKSONVILLE, Fla., navigating security at Jacksonville International Airport is poised to become faster and more efficient, courtesy of TSA’s advancing facial recognition technology.

Throughout the past year, the Transportation Security Administration has introduced various enhancements to streamline security procedures without compromising safety. These improvements include eliminating the need to remove shoes, establishing express lanes for military personnel and families, and promoting the PreCheck program, which lets travelers confirm their identity in advance.

Moreover, TSA unveiled the PreCheck Touchless ID program last year. This innovative feature, an extension of PreCheck, enables passengers to pass through security without needing to show a physical ID or boarding pass; instead, travelers simply use facial recognition.

As of January 13, the Touchless ID program is operational at 15 airports across the United States for certain airlines, with plans to expand to 65 airports by spring. This expansion includes all major airports in Florida, such as Jacksonville International Airport.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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

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

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Editor’s note: This story was first published by our news partners, The Florida Times-Union.