American Airlines Introduces Mobile ID For TSA PreCheck Passengers At Dallas-Fort Worth

American Airlines

IATA/ICAO Code:

AA/AAL

Airline Type:

Full Service Carrier

Hub(s):

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year Founded:

1926

Alliance:

oneworld

CEO:

Robert Isom

Country:

United States

Airline Group:

American Airlines Group

Region:

North America

Loyalty Program:

AAdvantage

Starting today, American Airlines AAdvantage® members enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program can verify their identity using the American Airlines Mobile ID at TSA PreCheck checkpoints to unlock a more seamless and touch-free travel experience.

Passengers flying from the airline’s hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport can use their secure American Airlines Mobile ID for both security at DFW and entry to the airline’s Admirals Club locations. The Texas airport currently serves the most destinations of any US airport, with 252 non-stop passenger destinations scheduled for this month, surpassing its pre-pandemic peak of 245 direct connections in June of 2019.

Swifter security for PreCheck passengers

Currently, the program is only available to passengers enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program. The trusted traveler program has a range of benefits, including successful applicants no longer being required to remove their shoes, belt, liquids, or electronics when using designated lanes at over 200 US airports.

The oneworld Alliance carrier plans to deploy the new technology at select TSA PreCheck checkpoints later this year. The shortlist of upcoming locations includes Miami International Airport (MIA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). Julie Rath, Vice President of Customer Experience, Loyalty, and Marketing for American Airlines, highlighted the benefits of the Mobile ID initiative:

“We’re committed to making our customers’ journeys easier, and airport waypoints provide significant opportunities for innovation."

"By simplifying the identity verification process and other points at the airport, we’re helping our customers exchange stress for convenience and saved time, and propelling the travel industry further along the path to a truly seamless customer experience.”

TSA_Digital_ID_002 — Photo: American Airlines

A touchless and smooth security experience.

Prior to travel, passengers wishing to use the service should download the Airside Digital Identity App on their phone. Customers can register for the service in advance. After downloading, passengers have only to take a photo of their face, scan their driver’s license or passport with the app, and enter their American Airlines AAdvantage number to register.

The app securely processes and verifies the customers’ information against each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles records or the passport’s embedded NFC chip. The system uses technology powered by Thales, who contributed to a similar pilot in Madrid to securely store the customer’s American Airlines Mobile-ID on their mobile device until they choose where and when to share it.

Passengers using the service must present a QR code on their phone and consent to share their American Airlines Mobile ID with TSA as they go through security. Customers will look into a camera at the TSA PreCheck checkpoint, where TSA’s computer system will match the customer’s encrypted image against their American Airlines Mobile ID. The entire process at the airport typically takes less than five seconds.

The process will reduce the need for physically processing identity documents and takes only seconds. Photo: American Airlines

Expanding innovation

The touch-free screening process follows prior digital ID trials that saw American Airlines introduce a touchless bag drop and Admirals Club entry at DFW. The process allowed customers to use facial recognition technology instead of presenting a government-issued ID, boarding pass, or co-branded credit card to check their bag or enter the lounge.

“We’re thankful for our stakeholders’ collaboration and support in driving the industry forward to offer innovative security checkpoint solutions to help customers safely and securely travel,” said Kriste Jordan-Smith, Federal Security Director, DFW Airport, for TSA.

“We’ll continue to take an agile approach to developing a stress-free and secure traveling experience for TSA PreCheck passengers, and look forward to expanding this technology in the future.”