OTTAWA — The federal government’s new Verified Traveller program will soon be rolling out at two additional airports in Ottawa and Halifax on a pilot basis.
Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra announced yesterday, June 27, that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will be launching a pilot for dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines at both Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport by Aug. 23, 2023.
The new pilot will test the feasibility of having dedicated lines open on a daily basis at these airports by opening them during peak periods. CATSA will determine next steps based on results. Outside of these peak periods, a front-of-the-line service will 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: Vancouver International Airport; Edmonton International Airport; Calgary International Airport; Winnipeg Richardson International Airport; Toronto Pearson International Airport (T1 and T3); and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
“I am pleased to announce that the airports in Ottawa and Halifax will soon be joining the other six Canadian airports with dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines, on a pilot basis,” said Minister Alghabra. “As we enter the busy summer travel season, we are working hard to ensure a smooth security screening process for travellers. 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.”
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, as well as 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
- 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 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.
For more information go to https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/verified-travellers.
