The next evolution of Air Canada's digital experience launches December 3 with the expansion of the airline's ‘Digital Identification’ program as a boarding option for almost all of its domestic flights at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Following a successful pilot project , Air Canada and YVR are the first in Canada to invest in the technology and equipment to modernize the Canadian airport travel experience by offering travellers the convenience and security of digital facial recognition at the gate to confirm their identities.
"We are thrilled to take a leadership position with the Vancouver Airport Authority in using technology to simplify and transform boarding of almost all our YVR-departing domestic flights,” said Tom Stevens, Air Canada’s VP, Canadian Airports and Customer Experience Strategy.
“Digital identification is readily used to streamline numerous daily activities including unlocking phones and entering workplaces, and bringing this technology to the gate enhances the travel experience, making boarding flights convenient and effortless. The feedback from customers, notably our frequent flyers, during the pilot phase was very positive. We look forward to expanding this technology to additional airports."
An Air Canada plane in flight.
Why Enroll in Air Canada's Digital Identification Program?
New Convenience with Digital ID in the Air Canada app: Building upon the app's top features like real-time flight updates, baggage tracking, and Aeroplan account access, Digital ID introduces a new level of ease when boarding, making the travel experience more connected and hassle-free.
Faster Boarding: With Air Canada's Digital ID, there's no need to search for your phone, boarding pass, or physical ID. Simply walk up to the camera screen, and your identity is confirmed in seconds, reducing wait times and simplifying the travel experience. Customers utilizing Digital ID will be among the first to board the aircraft and get settled in sooner.
Secure and Seamless: Air Canada's Digital ID technology securely confirms a passenger’s identity while streamlining the boarding process. Participation is entirely optional and based on consent,.
Digital identification is also available for customers to enter Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges in Toronto (YYZ), Calgary and San Francisco, as well as the Air Canada Café in Toronto. Additional airport boarding gates and touchpoints are planned to come on-line in future.
How to enroll
Enrolling in Air Canada's Digital Identification program is easy, quick and completed through the Air Canada app. For more information and a step-by-step guide on how to enroll, visit Air Canada's Digital Identification information page here.
Privacy and security
The Air Canada digital identification system is strictly an optional, consent-based Air Canada program. Customers control when they share biometric and other personal information with Air Canada. Customers who do not wish to utilize digital identification may simply board as they currently do now by presenting their boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual ID check and processing.
Air Canada's digital identification is not related to any government-sponsored program such as NEXUS, Global Entry or US CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC).
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