TSA Announces New PreCheck Partnership With Google Wallet
Enrollees in TSA PreCheck who use Google Wallet will now have the option to opt in to a digital "Touchless ID" program, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced in a June 24 press release.
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Article Summary
- TSA PreCheck enrollees using Google Wallet can now opt into the Touchless ID program, allowing digital ID and boarding pass sharing at over 65 airports.
- The program uses facial comparison technology to verify identity, eliminating the need to show a physical ID or boarding pass at security checkpoints.
- This partnership aims to streamline airport security, with TSA and Google highlighting enhanced convenience and speed for travelers ahead of the summer travel season.
Enrollees in TSA PreCheck who use Google Wallet will now have the option to opt in to a digital "Touchless ID" program, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced in a June 24 press release.
This partnership is "a more seamless way for eligible travelers to opt into TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID," said the release. Google Wallet is the first digital wallet application that allows for travelers to opt in to the program.
"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 in the press release.
"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."
With the new partnership, TSA PreCheck members will be given an option to authorize sharing their digital ID and boarding pass in Google Wallet with the TSA.
After the TSA confirms that the digital ID and boarding pass are eligible for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, the user's boarding pass will be updated to indicate they are part of the program.
What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is a program that is available at 65 airports in the United States, said the TSA. Users use facial comparison technology to confirm their identities after arriving at the airport, and do not have to show a physical driver's license or ID card.
With the new Google Wallet partnership, travelers can use the program at "any of the more than 100 TSA PreCheck airlines," said the TSA.
Participating airlines include Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United.
"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."
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