Air Canada expands digital ID program to domestic flights departing YVR

Air Canada, on December 3, will expand its Digital Identification program to almost all domestic flights that depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), according to a press release issued Thursday (Nov. 28).

Following a successful pilot project on select flights, Air Canada and YVR are the first in Canada to offer travellers 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,” said Tom Stevens, VP, Canadian Airports and customer experience strategy at Air Canada, in a statement. 

“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.”

Digital identification allows travellers to quickly and securely verify their identity at key airport touchpoints – “similar to unlocking a smartphone or securing transactions," said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

"This enhanced process will reduce wait times and provide a more convenient and hassle-free journey,” Vrooman stated.

Why enroll?

Air Canada has outlined many reasons for enrolling in the program, including:

New convenience with Digital ID in the Air Canada app: Building upon the app's 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,” the airline says. “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 your identity while streamlining the boarding process. “Participation is entirely optional and based on your consent, giving you full control over your data,” the airline says.

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.

Enrolling in Air Canada's Digital Identification program is 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.

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).

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.