Revolutionizing Airport Security: Google Wallet Now Supports Touchless ID

Android users who have TSA PreCheck can now experience a seamless and expedited airport security process without the need to scan a boarding pass or show a physical ID. Google Wallet has integrated Touchless ID, a feature that was previously available to travelers on only a handful of airlines, allowing users to authenticate using facial recognition and skip the hassle of pulling out their driver’s license, passport, or other eligible REAL ID.

Touchless ID is an expedited screening process for travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. This innovative feature uses facial recognition to verify a traveler’s identity, eliminating the need for physical ID checks. Travelers who have Touchless ID on their boarding pass can proceed through a dedicated lane at security, separate from the regular TSA PreCheck line.

While Touchless ID participation has been limited to travelers on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, who could opt in via their airline-specific profile using their Known Traveler Number, the addition of Google Wallet has opened up this feature to a wider audience. With Google Wallet, travelers only need to set up Touchless ID once to use it across dozens of participating airlines.

To set up Touchless ID in Google Wallet, users will first need to create an ID pass using their passport. This involves tapping ‘Add to Google Wallet’ > ‘ID’ > ‘ID Pass’ > ‘Continue’, then selecting the region for their passport and following the prompts to scan their passport info page and security chip, as well as record a video of their face for verification.

Once the ID pass is created, users can save their digital boarding pass to Google Wallet. If they qualify for Touchless ID, there will be a ‘Get Started’ button on their pass, which they can click to go to the TSA enrollment page. Users will need to agree to share their ID pass and boarding pass. Once their enrollment is confirmed, they will see a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID icon on their pass.

It’s worth noting that not every airport has a Touchless ID line, so travelers should check with their airline and the airport they are flying out of to confirm availability. This innovative feature is set to revolutionize the airport security experience, making it faster, more convenient, and more secure for travelers.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how technology is being leveraged to improve the passenger experience. Google Wallet’s integration of Touchless ID is a significant step forward in this regard, and we can expect to see more innovative features like this in the future.