New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
TSA has a new option in New Orleans that allows PreCheck passengers to use biometric cameras to speed up the security process. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Passengers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport now have a faster option at the TSA checkpoint.
Why it matters: Long lines at security are a vibe-killer for the start of your trip.
The big picture: The New Orleans airport now has TSA PreCheck Touchless ID with a dedicated security line, TSA spokesperson Gervais Joubert says.
- It's similar to PreCheck, but instead of giving your ID to an agent, passengers look into a camera that uses biometric comparison technology to verify their identity in seconds, he says.
- Passengers should still carry identification as a backup.
- MSY started testing the option in February, Joubert says. It's now available at 65 airports.
How it works: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is available to passengers who pay for PreCheck and who are flying with specific airlines.
- Right now, Southwest, Delta, American, United and Alaska Airlines are participating in New Orleans.
- Passengers can enable Touchless ID during booking by entering their Known Traveler Number and selecting the Touchless ID option.
- It will add a special icon to your boarding pass, Joubert says.
Zoom out: TSA also has upgraded more of its security screening lines at MSY to use new scanners that allow passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags.
- The lines also have conveyor belts that automatically feed the bins into the machines.
- Plus, passengers don't have to take off their shoes anymore during routine screenings.
State of play: Security lines have returned to normal, Joubert says, and are no longer snaking back into the parking garage like they were earlier this year during a partial government shutdown.
- ICE agents, who were sent to help at TSA checkpoints at that time, are no longer working at MSY either, he says.
- Travelers should still get to the airport at least two hours early, especially on Sundays and Mondays, says MSY spokesperson Erin Burns.
- Parking availability also is expected to be dicey during busy summer weekends, she says. Check the options before you go and consider reserving a spot.
Go deeper: New Orleans airport plans major expansion
