In an effort to enhance the travel experience for eligible passengers, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon be launching the Verified Traveller program. This new program aims to provide a faster and more efficient screening process at select airports across Canada.
Credit: YYC Airport
The announcement was made today by the Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra.
The Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller Program and will be available at domestic and international checkpoints in several major airports.
These airports include:
- Vancouver International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Winnipeg International Airport
- Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
The Verified Traveller program will offer additional benefits to eligible passengers who have undergone extensive background checks.
Benefits of the Verified Traveller program include the ability to leave permitted liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on bags, keeping laptops and electronics in carry-on bags, and keeping shoes, belts, light jackets, and headwear on during screening, among others.
Eligible travellers for the Verified Traveller program include members of:
- 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.
Verified Travellers will have three experiences available at select pre-board screening checkpoints. These include Verified Traveller Transborder program for U.S. flights, the Verified Traveller Front-of-the-line service, and the standard Verified Traveller service.
The Verified Traveller Transborder program for U.S. flights is available at:
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport – T1 transborder
- Toronto Pearson International Airport – T1 transborder
- Vancouver International Airport – transborder
The program also allows children aged 17 and younger, as well as adults aged 75 and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.
Those who want to take avail benefits of Verified Traveller Program can apply for NEXUS.
The launch of the Verified Traveller program is scheduled for June 21, 2023. The program is part of the government’s commitment to improving airport security and screening processes. Budget 2023 proposes to provide $1.8 billion over five years to CATSA to maintain and enhance its level of service and strengthen security measures at airports.