Google Wallet has undergone an impressive transformation over the past couple of years, expanding beyond just debit and credit cards. It’s a versatile digital locker that can pretty much store any kind of information you want in a secure space. It’s effectively gotten to a point where it can really replace your physical wallet, which is impressive to say the least.
While it’s fairly comprehensive, there are still areas for improvement, primarily involving the need to get certain brands on board. The good news is that more companies are getting involved with Google Wallet, like the recent addition of a major US airline that will allow passengers to carry a boarding pass in Wallet going forward.
A big one for US travelers
The news comes from American Airlines, sharing a wealth of new technological upgrades, along with the ability for customers to add a boarding pass to Google Wallet (via Android Authority). Going forward, American Airlines travelers will be able to have a more seamless experience by having their boarding pass loaded onto their phones.
In addition to the boarding pass, users will also receive updates through the app about their flights, which can be helpful if there are delays or if there are terminal changes. It’s kind of nice to get real-time updates on your phone in order to keep in the loop to make traveling less stressful.
As mentioned before, the app has expanded far beyond just holding credit and debit cards. It can also hold your state ID, along with your passport. In some cases, these digital forms can be used to verify with TSA. It will depend on if the airport you’re located at is participating in accepting digital identification.
So, while Google Wallet has a bunch of new features, it’s still recommended to carry around hard copies just in case. What makes Google Wallet stand out is that it has a feature that will allow you to scan and make anything into a digital pass. So while Wallet does offer support for a variety of items, if you can’t find one that fits your needs, you can always just make your own.
If you’ve been waiting to give Google Wallet a try, we highly recommend it. It’s one of the most versatile digital wallet systems available.
