Air Canada Launches Biometric Boarding Option at SFO

(31 Oct 2021) Air Canada has started offering a new boarding option to customers departing San Francisco International Airport (SFO) that utilizes facial biometrics.

The airline plans to progressively roll the service out for passengers at other US airports where the airline operates.

"Air Canada has introduced numerous touchless processes throughout the customer journey, and we are pleased to now offer an optional, innovative biometric boarding choice for customers departing SFO that is seamless, time-saving and convenient while reducing contact and processing time," said Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada. "Customers have told us they value streamlined processes and we continue to evaluate and assess additional touchless initiatives to further advance safe and secure travel while enhancing the overall travel experience."

Biometric boarding enables customers to present themselves at the boarding gate, have their photo taken which is then validated and confirmed to their passport document details and photo which are already captured via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Traveler Verification Service.

In a matter of seconds, CBP's biometric facial comparison service will automatically compare the new photo of the traveller to images that the traveller has already provided to the government, such as passport and visa photos.

"CBP is excited to partner with Air Canada to provide travelers with a secure, touchless process for identity verification as they depart the United States at SFO," said Diane J. Sabatino, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Along with CBP's enhanced Simplified Arrival process upon entry at SFO, we are transforming the air travel journey by expanding the use of facial biometrics through public-private partnerships to further secure and enhance the customer experience."

Customers who do not wish to utilize biometric boarding can simply advise the gate agent, and they will board as they always have by presenting their boarding pass and passport for manual ID check and boarding processing.

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