Alaska Airlines introduces touchless ID at select hubs this summer

Alaska Airlines is set to introduce TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at select hubs this summer, aiming to enhance the airport security experience for travelers. The program will debut at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on June 26, with Los Angeles International Airport and Portland International Airport following next month.

To participate in the program, travelers must provide biometric data to the TSA and sign up with Alaska using their Mileage Plan account. Those with a Known Traveler Number can opt-in easily. Charu Jain, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising for Alaska Airlines, stated: "Using Touchless ID is going to be a game-changer for our guests as they navigate our hub airports. No longer needing to juggle a boarding pass and physical ID means our guests can breeze through security with just their face."

The introduction of Touchless ID comes amid heightened awareness of airport security needs. A recent incident involving a bomb threat on an Alaska Airlines flight highlighted the ongoing importance of stringent security measures. Although resolved without violence, it underscored why security remains critical in air travel.