Tom Stevens, VP, Canadian Airports and Customer Experience Strategy at Air Canada, says the airline and the airport 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 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,” says Stevens.

Digital identification is readily used to streamline numerous daily activities including unlocking phones and entering workplaces, he adds.

“Bringing this technology to the gate enhances the travel experience [makes] 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.”

Benefits for enrolling in Air Canada’s Digital Identification program include …

. Convenience: Building on 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”

. 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 using Digital ID will be among the first to board the aircraft

. Security: Air Canada’s Digital ID technology securely confirms identity while streamlining the boarding process. Participation is entirely optional and based on the passenger’s 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.

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).

Travellers can find a step-by-step guide on how to enroll here.