Privacy & Travel Guide
TSA Facial Recognition Opt Out
You have the right to decline TSA facial recognition at airport security. Here is exactly how to opt out, what happens when you do, and what your legal rights are.
How to Opt Out of TSA Facial Recognition
Four simple steps to decline the face scan at any airport.
Approach the Checkpoint
When you reach the TSA identity verification podium where the facial recognition camera is located, you will see a screen with a live camera feed preparing to scan your face.
Verbally Decline
Tell the TSA officer clearly: "I would like to opt out of facial recognition." You do not need to provide a reason. The officer is required to accommodate your request without delay.
Present Your ID Manually
The TSA officer will verify your identity using your physical photo ID and boarding pass through the traditional manual process, just as it was done before facial recognition was introduced.
Proceed Normally
After manual ID verification, you continue through security screening as usual. Opting out does not trigger additional screening, pat-downs, or delays beyond the brief manual check.
Your Rights Regarding TSA Face Scans
What the law says about biometric screening at airports.
Right to Opt Out
TSA has confirmed that facial recognition is voluntary for all domestic travelers. You have the legal right to decline without providing justification.
No Penalty for Refusing
Opting out cannot result in denial of boarding, additional screening, placement on watchlists, or any other punitive action. TSA policy explicitly prohibits retaliation.
Data Deletion
TSA states that photos captured by facial recognition cameras are deleted within 24 hours and are not added to any permanent database or shared with other agencies.
Signage Requirements
TSA is required to post visible signage at checkpoints informing travelers about the use of facial recognition and their right to opt out.
Congressional Oversight
Multiple congressional bills have been introduced to ban or limit TSA facial recognition. The technology remains under active legislative scrutiny and public debate.
State Privacy Laws
Some states have additional biometric privacy protections (Illinois BIPA, Texas CUBI) that may provide extra legal safeguards regarding how your facial data is handled.
Important Context About Airport Facial Recognition
Where TSA Uses Facial Recognition
TSA has deployed facial recognition technology at over 80 airports across the United States as of 2026, with plans to expand to all 430+ TSA-staffed airports. Major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, JFK, and Chicago O'Hare already use the system at most checkpoints. Learn more about how facial recognition cameras work.
How TSA Systems Differ from Phone Apps
TSA uses 1:1 matching (comparing your live face to your ID photo). By contrast, apps like the Facial Recognition app use 1:many matching to search across billions of public photos — a fundamentally different and more powerful approach to face identification.
Airlines vs TSA Facial Recognition
Note that some airlines (Delta, United, JetBlue) operate their own separate facial recognition systems for boarding. Opting out of TSA facial recognition does not automatically opt you out of airline systems — you must decline those separately at the gate.
International Travel Differences
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses facial recognition for international arrivals and departures. Unlike TSA, CBP facial recognition for non-US citizens is generally mandatory. US citizens can still opt out of CBP facial recognition at most ports of entry.
Understand How Facial Recognition Really Works
TSA uses basic 1:1 matching. See the full power of modern face recognition — the Facial Recognition app searches over a billion faces to find social media profiles by face.
What Our Users Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of TSA facial recognition?
Yes. TSA facial recognition is currently voluntary for all domestic travelers in the United States. You can opt out by simply telling the TSA officer at the identity verification podium that you would like to decline facial recognition. They will verify your identity manually using your physical ID and boarding pass.
What happens if I opt out of TSA facial recognition?
Nothing negative. The TSA officer will verify your identity using the traditional method — visually comparing your face to your photo ID. You will not face additional screening, delays, or any form of penalty. The process adds approximately 10-15 seconds compared to the automated scan.
Does TSA save my facial recognition photo?
TSA states that photos captured at checkpoints are deleted within 24 hours and are not stored in any permanent database. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about data handling practices. If you are concerned about data retention, opting out ensures no photo is captured in the first place. For control over images that are already circulating online, see our guide on removing your photos from the internet.
Is TSA facial recognition mandatory for international flights?
TSA screening (including facial recognition) follows the same opt-out rules regardless of whether your flight is domestic or international. However, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates separate facial recognition systems for international travelers that may have different opt-out rules, particularly for non-US citizens.
How accurate is TSA facial recognition?
TSA reports that their facial recognition system has a match rate above 98% under controlled checkpoint conditions. However, studies have shown varying accuracy rates across different demographics. The system compares your live face against only your ID photo (1:1 matching), which is simpler than the 1:many search technology used in apps like Facial Recognition.