The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Google have partnered to make it easier for travelers to access a popular time-saving security shortcut.
Google Wallet is now the first digital wallet partner for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a program that allows eligible travelers to skip long security lines by using TSA's secure facial comparison technology.
TSA Touchless ID is currently available for use with more than 100 airlines at more than 60 airports across the U.S. and has been an instant hit for eligible travelers, saving time and providing a convenient experience.
The new partnership between the TSA and Google is a significant development for the program, which was previously only available at a few airports just a few years ago.
The Google Wallet integration will roll out over the next few weeks, coinciding with the peak summer travel season when airports are likely to be busiest.
Eligible travelers can now use Google Wallet to opt-in to Touchless ID, streamlining the process and eliminating the need to manually enroll with each airline.
The integration is designed to make digital experiences more secure and convenient, according to Google's vice president of product management, P.J. Linarducci.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID allows users to skip the normal TSA PreCheck lines and avoid the hassle of finding their passport or driver's license at a security checkpoint while juggling other items.
Instead, TSA takes a photo to confirm a passenger's identity, making the process quick and efficient.
The process in Google Wallet is straightforward: check in with a participating airline, add your boarding pass, and authorize the sharing of your digital ID and boarding pass with TSA.
Once you click through, you will be automatically redirected to TSA's consent page, where you can confirm your identity and authorize TSA to share your information.
The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator will then be added to your boarding pass, allowing you to use the dedicated Touchless ID lane at the airport.
If you're a TSA PreCheck member and an Android user, going Touchless ID with Google Wallet makes too much sense, according to Google communications manager Jas Peterson.
Travelers who don't use Google Wallet can still manually opt into the Touchless ID program by adding a valid passport to their profile with participating airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United.
