Sick of removing laptops, liquids at airports? Some travellers can soon skip – National | Globalnews.ca

Starting this summer, some air travellers in Canada will no longer need to take their personal belongings out of their carry-on luggage during airport security screening.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made the announcement Tuesday for a new Verified Traveller Program being launched by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) that will take off in June.

The new lines will allow eligible travellers to keep laptops, large electronics, and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on at security screening checkpoints, according to a press release from Transport Canada. They also won’t need to take their shoes, belts and jackets off during the screening process.

Members of NEXUS and Global Entry, airport staff, aircrews, RCMP and police officers with IDs as well as active members of the Canadian and U.S. military would be eligible for these benefits.

The screening lines will be available at six international airports in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.

Transport Canada said the new program, which replaces the current Trusted Traveller Program, will help ease congestion over time and offer a “faster and more efficient screening experience.”

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Canada aims to toughen air passenger bill of rights

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has been testing new technology to allow passengers to keep liquids and large electronics in their carry-on luggage during security screening at the airport.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, airports are aiming to end restrictions on liquids and large electronics in carry-on bags by June 2024, according to a government announcement last December.

The U.K. says new technology will help expand the current limit of liquids of 100 millilitres to up to two litres and also let travellers keep large electrical items inside their luggage during the security screening.

Canadian airports and airlines are bracing for a hot summer travel season ahead as they attempt to bounce back from the chaos of long lines and delays that were seen across the country last year.

Travellers might have a smoother ride this time around as the air travel sector rolls out a series of measures, from hiring more staff to technological advancements.

There’s also increased pressure on accountability as strengthened air passenger rights measures proposed by the federal government loom.

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