May 23, 2023, Toronto | Transport Canada – Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon be launching a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada.
This new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program. By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports:
- Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
- Vancouver International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Winnipeg International Airport
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
The new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows. 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 their shoes, belt and light jacket 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 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.
According to the official media release, “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.“
The media release further states that several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at trans-border checkpoints (flights to the U.S.).
In response to a query asking the difference with the current trusted travellers program, CATSA’s Twitter handle responded,
“Thanks for asking! The Verified Traveller program provides eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints – from front-of-the-line service in the queue to dedicated lines where permitted liquids, aerosols and gels, and electronics like laptops can remain in your carry-on. You can learn more about the three types of screening experiences available to verified travellers by visiting the Verified Traveller program page on CATSA’s website at http://catsa.gc.ca“
