Starting September 2026, Air Canada passengers at Toronto Pearson Airport can enroll via a mobile app for biometric gate access to streamline boarding. This new system allows travelers to use biometric verification through their smartphones.
Rising Passenger Adoption of Biometrics at Airports
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) on October 28, surveying over 10,000 participants from more than 200 countries. The survey found that 58% of passengers encountered biometric experiences at airports in 2026, an increase from 50% in 2025. Among those passengers, 87% were satisfied with their biometric experience. Additionally, 78% were willing to share biometric information to avoid
presenting physical passports and boarding passes. Interest in digital travel credentials was strong, with 84% open to using digital passports for online check-in and 82% willing to share digital travel IDs with airlines for personalized services.
Government and Industry Framework for Digital Travel Credentials
IATA, which represents over 370 member airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, United Airlines, and Lufthansa, calls for government agreements on secure digital passport frameworks. Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, stated, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” Careen emphasized that biometrics enable smoother journeys and more efficient, secure
processes, but governments must adopt common Digital Travel Credential standards to establish biometrics as a standard in international travel.
Passenger Experience and Opt-Out Options in U.S. Airports
Passengers flying with Air Canada from Toronto Pearson can begin enrolling via the mobile app in September 2026 to use biometric gates, simplifying boarding. In U.S. airports, participation in biometric programs is voluntary. The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows travelers to opt out of facial scanning without delays or losing their place in line. Likewise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers alternative processing for passengers who decline facial photo capture, typically involving manual inspection by officers.
