Global Aviation Industry Expands Biometric Screening as U.S. Real ID Deadline Approaches

While Air Canada has not formally announced the implementation of facial recognition technology for passenger boarding, the aviation industry continues to expand its use of biometric screening systems worldwide. These automated systems use facial recognition, fingerprints, or iris scans to verify passenger identities at various checkpoints, building on technology first piloted at major hubs like Denver International Airport in 2022.

Canadian airports currently employ Primary Inspection Kiosks that photograph travelers and may collect fingerprints from returning citizens and permanent residents. Vancouver International Airport became the first to fully comply with enhanced federal biometric screening requirements, setting standards for other Canadian airports. Though designed to streamline customs declarations, these systems have faced some criticism regarding passenger flow disruption and their requirement for printed receipts.

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has integrated biometric screening technology since 2019. The TSA PreCheck program has now surpassed 11 million enrolled members, demonstrating growing public acceptance of biometric verification. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have implemented facial recognition systems at select airports, enabling TSA PreCheck members to clear security and drop bags using biometric verification. Delta has recently expanded its Digital ID system to Salt Lake City International Airport, its sixth major hub to offer touchless processing.

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. domestic air travelers will need to present Real ID-compliant identification. The regulatory change is expected to coincide with broader adoption of biometric and touchless screening technologies throughout airports, following successful implementations like Singapore’s Changi Airport, where immigration processing now takes as little as 10 seconds.

“The technology uses facial recognition software to confirm your identity,” explains travel expert The Points Guy. “This way, you can pass through security without showing a boarding pass or pulling out identification.”

While Air Canada has not yet deployed facial recognition for boarding, the growing implementation of biometric systems across global aviation suggests such technology could be adopted as part of future modernization efforts. The systems aim to enhance both operational efficiency and security protocols, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection having already completed nationwide deployment of its Simplified Arrival facial recognition program at all international airports.

Sources: Automated Border Control System, PR Newswire, The Points Guy

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December 25, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team