Android users who have TSA PreCheck can now go through airport security without needing to scan a boarding pass or show a physical ID. Touchless ID, which previously was available to travelers on only a handful of airlines, now works in Google Wallet, and all you need is a passport and a TSA PreCheck membership.
How Touchless ID works at TSA PreCheck
Touchless ID is an expedited screening process for travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. If you have Touchless ID on your boarding pass, you can go through a dedicated lane at security—separate from the regular TSA PreCheck line—and authenticate using facial recognition without needing to pull out and scan your driver’s license, passport, or other eligible REAL ID.
Thus far, 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. With the addition of Google Wallet, travelers only have to set Touchless ID up once to use it across dozens of participating airlines. (Note that not every airport has a Touchless ID line.)
How to use Touchless ID with Google Wallet at TSA PreCheck
To set up Touchless ID in Google Wallet, you’ll first need to create an ID pass using your passport. Tap Add to Google Wallet > ID > ID Pass > Continue, then select the region for your passport and follow the prompts to scan your passport info page and security chip, as well as record a video of your face for verification.
When you check in for your flight, save your digital boarding pass to Google Wallet. If you qualify for Touchless ID, there will be a Get Started button on your pass, which you can click to go to the TSA enrollment page. You’ll need to agree to share your ID pass and boarding pass. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you’ll see a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID icon on your pass.
