Google Wallet is about to become even more useful for frequent flyers. This is thanks to a new feature that could help users get through airport security a little faster.
Google has announced a partnership with the TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID programme. This makes Wallet the first digital wallet to support the system.
The upgrade will allow eligible travellers to securely share their ID and boarding pass directly from Google Wallet before arriving at the airport. As a result, this could potentially cut down the time spent queuing at security checkpoints.
For anyone who flies regularly, this could be one of the most practical additions Google has made to Wallet in years.
The new feature works alongside TSA PreCheck and the agency’s relatively new Touchless ID system. This system is currently available at 65 airports across the US. Instead of manually presenting identification documents at security, travellers can pre-register. Then, they submit the required information through Google Wallet before they arrive.
Once approved, users will be able to use dedicated TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes at participating airports. Google says Wallet will also display an indicator on the boarding pass. This will confirm everything is ready before travellers reach security.
It’s another sign of how far Google Wallet has evolved from its early days as a simple payment app. Alongside credit and debit cards, Wallet can now store passports, IDs, event tickets, gift cards and a growing list of digital credentials. Moreover, this latest addition pushes it even further towards becoming a genuine replacement for a physical wallet.
The upgrade also tackles one of the biggest frustrations of air travel such as unpredictable airport queues. While TSA PreCheck already speeds up the process for many travellers, Touchless ID is designed to streamline it even further. It reduces the number of manual checks needed at security.
There are a few caveats, however. The feature is limited to TSA PreCheck members, and Touchless ID support is currently available at only a selection of US airports. Still, Google has confirmed that the Wallet integration will roll out over the coming weeks. Therefore, it could make travelling noticeably smoother for millions of eligible passengers.
It might not be the flashiest Wallet update Google has ever released, but for frequent flyers, it could easily be one of the most useful.
The post Google Wallet’s new airport upgrade could speed up security checks appeared first on Trusted Reviews.