TSA PreCheck members now have another way to choose the program’s Touchless ID screening option.
TSA on Wednesday announced a new partnership with Google that allows travelers to select Touchless ID in Google Wallet.
With Touchless ID, passengers clear airport security checkpoints with a facial scan and do not have to present a physical ID or boarding pass. Travelers must have TSA PreCheck, an active profile with a participating airline, and a valid passport to qualify.
“TSA under President Trump and Secretary Mullin is fully dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience through advanced technology and strategic partnerships,” TSA Modernization Acting Chief Innovation Officer Shelu Patel said in a statement. “Our collaboration with Google helps our trusted TSA PreCheck travelers enjoy the fastest route through airport security.”
To opt in via Google Wallet, PreCheck members must check in with a participating airline and add their boarding pass to Google Wallet. Travelers with eligible digital identification will see a “Get Started” button in the app, which directs to a TSA consent page. Passengers then authorize sharing their digital ID and boarding pass in Google Wallet with TSA, and TSA confirms enrollment and sends a success code. Google Wallet then updates the traveler’s boarding pass with the Touchless ID indicator.
Touchless ID launched in 2021 and is now available at 65 airports. United, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest all participate in the program.
According to the TSA, collected images are not used for law enforcement or surveillance purposes, and passengers’ photos and personal data are deleted from the system within 24 hours of their scheduled flight departure.
