CATSA Plus: The Future of Security ScreeningIf you have been through security screening recently at one of Canada’s major airports, you may have noticed a significant difference in the appearance of some security lines. It’s called CATSA Plus. The new concept combines the latest equipment, technology and processes that have been successfully tested by CATSA at various airports over the last few years. CATSA Plus has come to Toronto-Pearson, Vancouver, Halifax, and Edmonton airports, and more lines have been installed at Calgary, Montréal-Trudeau and Ottawa. CATSA Plus involves replacing standard screening lines with high-performance lines, while also addressing CATSA’s vision for seamless security. The “plus” represents enhanced security effectiveness and a more pleasant experience through the checkpoint for air travellers, as the new lines allow for improved customer service and passenger flow. The rules for going through a CATSA Plus checkpoint are the same as at a regular screening line, however, with several people going through screening at once, here are some tips to keep in mind. Tips for Screening at CATSA Plus CATSA Plus definitely looks different from the regular screening lines but the rules for screening are the same. For example, passengers should still be prepared to take out their 1 L bag of liquids, aerosols and gels, and their laptop, and put them into bins. However, with several people going through screening at once, it is a different experience than going through a regular screening line. The tips below can help you move more easily through CATSA Plus. Loading the bins: Before you get to the bins, place your valuables (e.g. money clips, watches and passports) and other small items in a jacket pocket or inside your carry-on bag, instead of leaving them loose in the bin. You control the order in which you place your items in the bins, so if you have something that you want to keep an eye on, you should place it in the last bin you send to the X-ray. After X-ray screening: Take your bins from the screening line to the large tables provided and repack your belongings. If you do not see all of your bins, then one (or more) required additional screening. Bins that undergo additional screening are automatically re-directed to a separate search line. You can repack your other items while you wait for the screening officer to call you to the search table. All your bins are tracked by CATSA to ensure the safety of your belongings. If you have a common type of laptop, tablet or cellphone, we suggest you personalize it with a decal or label. This helps avoid mix-ups with someone else’s belongings while you are repacking. Return your bin to the end of the line before you leave the checkpoint. |
