Anchorage Airport Rolls Out Facial Scanning, Fees for Non-REAL ID Travelers

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing a new facial scanning program called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska. The program requires passengers to have their faces scanned and matched against digital ID photos. Additionally, the TSA is instituting a $45 fee for domestic travelers who do not have a REAL ID.

Why it matters

The new facial scanning technology raises concerns about privacy and data security, as well as the potential for broader surveillance uses in the future. The REAL ID requirement and associated fees also impact travelers, potentially creating barriers for those without the necessary identification.

The details

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is voluntary and uses facial scanning technology to verify a passenger's identity instead of requiring a physical ID. However, if the biometric technology cannot verify a passenger's identity, they will still need to produce a physical ID document. The TSA maintains that the facial scan images are deleted within 24 hours of a flight's departure and are not used for law enforcement purposes. In addition to the new facial scanning program, the TSA is instituting a $45 fee for domestic travelers who do not have a REAL ID, which was first mandated by Congress in 2005 but has faced delays in implementation.

• The TSA is holding a media event on Jan. 29, 2026 to announce the rollout of the facial scanning technology at the Anchorage airport.
• The $45 fee for travelers without a REAL ID will go into effect on Feb. 1, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.