Google Wallet Cuts Airport Security Friction via TSA Integration

Google Wallet is rolling out a new integration that will make it easier to participate in the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program.

With this integration, which is rolling out over the coming weeks, users who have TSA PreCheck and are flying on any of the 100 participating airlines will be able to opt in once with the help of Google Wallet. Previously, users had to manually upload their passport information for each airline, Google Wallet said in a Wednesday (June 24) blog post.

“This means you can glide through security using just the TSA’s secure facial comparison — no need to fumble for your physical ID or boarding pass at the checkpoint,” Atri Chandramouli, product manager, Google Wallet, said in the post.

In its own press release about this new integration, the TSA said that Google Wallet is the first digital wallet to participate in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program.

To participate, travelers check in with a participating airline, add their boarding pass to Google Wallet, click the “Get started” button that is shown to eligible travelers with an eligible digital ID, and authorize sharing their digital ID and boarding pass in Google Wallet with TSA, according to the release.

TSA then confirms enrollment and sends a success code to Google Wallet, and Google Wallet updates the traveler’s boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator.

Travelers still have the option of using the existing process in which they save a valid passport to their profile with one of six participating airlines and manually opt in for each airline individually, per the release.

“TSA under President Trump and [Department of Homeland Security] 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 the release. “Our collaboration with Google helps our trusted TSA PreCheck travelers enjoy the fastest route through airport security.”

The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Apple Pay @11: Usage Is Up, but Competitors Are Gaining Ground” found that convenience drives consumers’ initial adoption of mobile wallets while security concerns motivate continued use.

Among new mobile wallet users, the most common reason for trying the technology was that it was the easiest or fastest option available, according to the report.

Another PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Digital Wallets Beyond Transactions: A Deep Dive Into Digital Wallet Use in Five Key Markets” found that 82% of U.S. consumers stored digital credentials on one of the three main digital wallet platforms.

In earlier updates, Google Wallet said in April 2025 that it added features that help users prove their age and identity and expanded the number of countries and U.S. states where different functions of the digital wallet are available.