United Airlines has announced the discontinuation of boarding passes or identification requirements
With increased digitalization and the use of facial recognition technologies, airports are gradually moving away from the traditional method of checking boarding passes, identity documents, and, in some cases, even passports when crossing international borders.
Although these changes have been slower to take effect in the US, United Airlines (UAL) has announced that it is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement a system that will allow TSA PreCheck passengers to pass security screening without showing a boarding pass or ID, as reported by Kentucky.com.
The Expedited Security Pass is currently available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who apply for screening as low-risk travelers. It costs $78 for a five-year validity period.
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has been selected by TSA and airlines to begin pilot testing this type of boarding for low-risk passengers. After checking in online for their flight, PreCheck passengers will leave their bags and go through security, checking in again at facial recognition screens that link them to their boarding pass.
As TravelWise previously reported, United Airlines will change its fares for passengers in 2024.