By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, June, 24, 2026 - Travellers flying to the United States could soon pass through airport security checkpoints using facial recognition technology without physical identification documents, through Google Wallet.
This follows a new partnership between Google and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In a statement, the company said that Google Wallet has emerged as the first digital wallet to be integrated into the TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID programme.
According to the tech giant, the service is available at 65 airports across the United States and will become easier to use through a new Google Wallet integration set to roll out over the coming weeks.
Travellers already enrolled in TSA PreCheck and flying with any of the 100 participating airlines will be able to opt into the programme through the wallet, eliminating the need to upload passport information for individual airlines multiple times.
"From supporting digital IDs to scan-to-add passes and more, Google Wallet is constantly working to put your digital credentials at your fingertips. This new TSA collaboration is one more way we're making your digital life simpler and more secure," the company stated.
To use the service, a traveller must create a digital ID in Google Wallet using their passport information, check in for their flight, and save their boarding pass to the app.
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After that, qualified passengers will click a 'Get started' prompt on their boarding pass, which will direct them to the TSA enrolment page where they can authorise the sharing of their digital ID and boarding pass information with the agency.
Once enrolment is complete, a TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator will appear on the boarding pass stored in Google Wallet, allowing passengers to use designated express security lanes at the 65 airports.
Google has assured users that personal information will only be shared with the TSA after they explicitly opt in and authenticate their identity by unlocking their device using a biometric feature, PIN, or pattern.
"And digital IDs in Google Wallet are always encrypted and stored directly on your phone, so you have complete control over who can read the contents of your digital ID," the company stated.