The federal government on Tuesday announced an overhaul of its traveler security program, hoping it will help relieve airport congestion as the summer travel season begins.
The new “Verified Traveler” program includes the establishment of dedicated screening lines at six of the country’s largest airports by June 21, said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.
“As membership grows over time, the new Verified Traveler Program will help improve the screening experience for more and more passengers, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security” , said Mr. Alghabra during a press conference at Toronto-Pearson International Airport.
Eligible passengers include Nexus members, military personnel, aviation workers and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, who will be able to pass through security faster — and keep their shoes and belts on all the time. throughout the process.
A simpler passage to security
Changes to the program include allowing trusted travelers to keep their laptops and liquids stored in their luggage, instead of having to place them separately on the x-ray conveyor belt. Children under 18 and adults 75 or older will now be able to accompany program members through fast-track queues.
Those who qualify — including the roughly 1.7 million Nexus members — will be able to access the lines without applying first.
The announcement comes after months of chaotic travel last summer, when a post-pandemic surge in demand sent terminal traffic surging and overwhelmed airlines.
In March, the Liberal budget provided $1.8 billion over five years for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to improve passenger screening and strengthen security measures at airports.
As the number of traveler complaints to the regulator topped 47,000 in the past year, the government also tabled an overhaul to its passenger bill of rights last month that increases penalties for airlines and airlines. targets compensation gaps regarding baggage and flight disruption.
“The next few months are going to be very busy, as the summer season is about to begin. And I am convinced, with the preparation that has taken place by airports, airlines, CATSA and other organizations, that we are ready for the summer season,” said Mr. Alghabra.
The airports where trusted travelers will be able to take advantage of the new program are the international airports of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Security at several other airports will provide selected passengers with front-line service and additional benefits at cross-border checkpoints, Alghabra added.