CHICAGO, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines said on Thursday it will begin testing touchless check-ins next month at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the latest example of how the coronavirus pandemic is changing the travel experience.

Atlanta-based Delta said it will expand the test in Detroit to include bag drop and boarding early next year and is exploring a curb-to-gate facial recognition option across its network.

Bill Lentsch, Delta's Chief Customer Experience Officer, said the COVID-19 pandemic has "deepened the importance of providing a touchless experience."

The option will be available for U.S. domestic travelers who are TSA PreCheck or Global Entry members. (Reporting by Tracy Rucinski Editing by Nick Zieminski)