Canada is the latest country to adopt seamless face recognition technology thanks to Air Canada. This technology will make its way to Vancouver airport, with other airports in Canada following in the future.
The airline also provides easy instructions for how users can set up their Canada face recognition. All domestic travelers only need a smartphone to start.
Air Canada issued a press release touting the launch of its Digital Identification (ID) program. Use of Digital IDs for travelers begins at Vancouver International Airport on 3 December.
Digital IDs will serve as an alternative to passports. Passengers will simply need to scan their faces in order to confirm their identities with the airline. This process will accelerate check-in times and reduce waiting and congestion at the airport.
The Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will also accept these Digital IDs for entry.
Air Canada has also posted a video demonstrating how users can register for face scanning and check in at the airport with a Digital ID.
The airline has also posted simple instructions online. Basically, users will need to download and run the Air Canada mobile app.
Canada is far from the only nation to utilize this technology. Other airports and airlines scan users’ faces to save them in a database. This allows the system to easily match the ID with each time you visit the check-in gate. In the case of Air Canada, however, the system will scan your passport photo for registration in addition to being used for travel.
Air Canada Vice President of Canadian Airports and Customer Experience Tom Steven had these remarks to share in the latest press release:
“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. Digital identification is readily used to streamline numerous daily activities.”
“…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.”
There currently is no timetable for when the technology will be installed at other Canadian airports. Travelers will still need to carry their physical passports, even with a Digital ID.
