'Masked man' did not use Aeroplan ID: airline

Rumours that Air Canada staff in Hong Kong accepted an Aeroplan card as identification from a passenger in disguise are "totally unfounded," the airline says.

The carrier said Saturday it is conducting an internal investigation with the airport's staff as well as Singapore Airport Terminal Services, or SATS, which verifies passports at the boarding gate on behalf of Air Canada and other airlines.

During the flight, the passenger removed his disguise in the washroom and emerged as a young Asian man in his 20s, later claiming refugee status in Vancouver.

"Upon being alerted by flight crew, Air Canada security advised Canadian Border Services Agency officials to meet Flight AC018 on Oct. 29 in Vancouver to investigate a passenger who altered his appearance while onboard," spokesman John Reber said in a statement.