Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to roll out face biometrics for passenger ID. It’s a pilot project underway at Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport. It’s a voluntary program, but not related to government-sponsored programs like NEXUS or Global Entry. Customers can create a digital profile on the Air Canada app and then a selfie, passport details and facial biometrics are stored securely on their phone for day-of-travel verification.
Passengers will be able to board their flights without having to stop to have their IDs checked
There are few travel nightmares worse than arriving at an airport without a valid government-issued ID. That’s why it’s so important to arrive at the airport well before you need to board your flight, and be prepared with an alternative form of identification. Air Canada is now allowing passengers to board their flights without having to show their boarding passes to TSA officers. Instead, the airline is using face biometrics to verify passenger IDs. This technology relies on a CAT scanner that’s programmed to match passenger biographical information with the Secure Flight database in real time. Those IDs are then used to check the passengers against databases like the No Fly List and Terrorist Screening Database.
The technology is available on select flights to Winnipeg
Air Canada has launched a new pilot project allowing passengers to use face biometrics to verify their IDs. It’s the first time a Canadian airline is offering this service, which the company says will speed up processes while respecting privacy and security standards. The new digital identification option is available on select flights to Winnipeg and at the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Customers will receive an invitation to participate, along with instructions for creating their secure digital faceprint. The new technology is separate from government-sponsored programs like NEXUS, Global Entry or US CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC). Eligible customers will be given instructions on how to enroll, create and access their digital profile through the Air Canada app.
It’s a voluntary service
Air Canada has launched a pilot program that uses facial recognition technology to quickly, securely and accurately confirm passenger identification. The new system will be available for customers departing from Vancouver International Airport when boarding select flights to Winnipeg, and also for eligible customers entering the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Those who voluntarily participate will receive an invitation to use the digital ID option, and instructions on how to create their secure digital face print prior to arriving at the airport. Should they not wish to take part, they can continue boarding as usual with a boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual checks. Air Canada’s digital identification feature is a single enrollment feature on the airline’s app, with biometric data encrypted and stored only on the customer’s mobile phone. The company says customers will need to provide extra consent for the data to be used day-of travel, and it will be retained for up to 36 hours subject to Air Canada’s privacy and security standards.
It’s available on the Air Canada app
Air Canada has launched a pilot project that allows certain passengers to use face biometrics for passenger ID. Passengers who opt in to the system will receive a notification on their Air Canada app and are instructed to create a secure digital faceprint prior to traveling, using an app-based photo and video selfie, a passport or driver’s license image and an e-passport chip that’s scanned with NFC technology. The system uses the Customs and Border Protection’s Traveler Verification Service, which compares a live faceprint to an identifying image of the passenger stored in a gallery of pre-staged government photos. This service can eliminate the need for passengers to stop and have their IDs checked at airport security checkpoints.
It’s available at select airports
Canada’s largest airline is introducing face biometrics for passenger ID to help speed up check-in and security processes. It’s already piloting the technology for select customers at Vancouver YVR and Toronto Pearson airports. It’s a voluntary option for travellers, who may receive an invitation to use the digital identification program ahead of their travel. They also will be provided instructions on how to create their secure digital faceprint before arriving at the airport. After creating their digital identity, travelers will be prompted to scan their passports onto the Air Canada mobile app, take a “selfie,” and then authenticate themselves using facial recognition. The process takes measurements of the customer’s face in both photos, compares them and authenticates the person if both are a match.