OTTAWA, HALIFAX IN LINE FOR CUSTOMS BOOST

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) plans to launch a pilot for dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines at Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The pilot, to be in effect by Aug. 23, will test the feasibility of having dedicated lines open on a daily basis at these airports by opening them during peak periods; outside of these peak periods, a front-of-the-line service would be offered to eligible verified travellers.

Since June 21, 2023, the Verified Traveller program, which has replaced the Trusted Traveller program, has had dedicated lines open to improve the screening experience at the following airports:

• Vancouver International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics, and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on. Eligible travellers include:

• Members of NEXUS and Global Entry
• Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID
• Canadian aircrew (in uniform) and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards
• International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
• RCMP and Canadian police officers with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

The Verified Traveller program also now allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.
“This new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time and builds on our $1.8 billion investment for CATSA in Budget 2023 to create a safe and smooth passenger experience for all Canadian travellers,” says Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.