The Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, announced 23MAY in a media conference that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will be launching a new Verified Traveller program at select airports across Canada.
The new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program, and will provide eligible travellers with benefits at security screening checkpoints including keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on.
“This new Verified Traveller program builds on our $1.8 billion investment for CATSA in Budget 2023, and is great news as we enter another busy travel season to help combat congestion at our airports. It will help improve the security screening process for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada, while still ensuring we meet the highest standards of security and safety for air passengers," said Alghabra.
By 21JUN, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports:
- Vancouver International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Winnipeg International Airport
- Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
According to Ottawa, the new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows.
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 and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
- International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.
The Verified Traveller program 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.
Several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at transborder checkpoints (flights to the U.S.).
More information is available on CATSA’s website.
