WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration and Google Wallet have launched a new feature allowing eligible travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID directly through Google Wallet, offering a faster and more streamlined airport security experience.
Google Wallet is the first digital wallet platform to support the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which uses facial comparison technology to verify travelers’ identities at designated security lanes without requiring them to present physical identification documents.
Under the new system, travelers check in with a participating airline, add their boarding pass to Google Wallet and, if eligible, can opt into the program through the app. After providing consent, travelers receive confirmation from TSA and a Touchless ID indicator is added to their boarding pass.
“TSA under President Trump and Secretary Mullin is fully dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience through advanced technology and strategic partnerships,” said TSA Modernization Acting Chief Innovation Officer Shelu Patel. “Our collaboration with Google helps our trusted TSA PreCheck travelers enjoy the fastest route through airport security. Delivering seamless experiences like this is one more way TSA is working to deliver the Golden Age of Travel.”
TSA officials said the program is now available at 65 airports nationwide. The Google Wallet integration allows travelers flying with any of the more than 100 TSA PreCheck-participating airlines to use the touchless screening process at participating airports.
Previously, travelers could save a passport to their profile through select airlines — Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United — and manually opt into the service.
Google officials said the partnership is designed to make airport travel more convenient while maintaining security standards.
“We’re excited that Google Wallet technology is helping make TSA airport checkpoints faster and easier for travelers,” said P.J. Linarducci, vice president of product management, Consumer Payments, at Google. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our goal to make digital experiences more secure and convenient, and we look forward to seeing it roll out broadly just as the busy summer travel season gets underway.”
TSA said travelers can still use traditional identification methods if they choose and encouraged passengers to visit TSA.gov for additional information about TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and acceptable forms of identification.
