TSA and Google Wallet streamline airport security screening

Google Wallet adds TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Google Wallet have unveiled a new step in the digitalisation of airport checkpoints, allowing eligible travellers to opt in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID directly from Google’s wallet. 

The approach uses facial comparison in dedicated lanes to reduce manual checks and speed up the journey. 

The network is already in place at 65 US airports and, with Google Wallet’s integration, could ultimately be used with more than 100 airlines that participate in TSA PreCheck at those airports. Google is the first digital wallet to offer the option.

Before heading to the airport, travellers must add their passport to Google Wallet as a digital ID. 

When they check in with a participating airline, they can then save their boarding pass in the app. If the profile is eligible, an activation prompt appears on the pass and redirects to the TSA consent page, where the traveller authorises sharing their digital identity and flight data. 

Once confirmed, a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator appears on the boarding pass. At the airport, identity is verified in dedicated lanes without presenting a passport or physical ID at the checkpoint.

‘Safer, more convenient digital experiences’

For the US agency, the set-up is designed to speed processing while maintaining a secure verification framework based on biometrics and user consent. For Google, the integration strengthens Wallet’s role as a hub for travel use cases beyond payments and ticket storage.

“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.”

The announcement comes as the peak summer season begins, giving the promise of smoother checkpoints immediate relevance. 

The rollout in Google Wallet will be gradual over the coming weeks. The service targets travellers eligible for TSA PreCheck, which is already connected to more than 100 airlines. 

In parallel, TSA notes that travellers can still activate Touchless ID manually using a passport saved with six carriers: Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United.