Canada - Airlines' policies don't reflect rules of Nexus travellers program

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/airlines-policies-dont-reflect-rules-of-nexus-travellers-program--160933605.html

OTTAWA - A joint Canada-U.S. program that allows so-called "trusted travellers" to more easily cross the border is catching on with Canadian frequent flyers — but some major airlines aren't keeping pace.

Applications for Nexus cards have increased about 17 per cent since Canada and the United States began to more aggressively push the program earlier this year, causing some delays in processing applications.

The Nexus cards are designed to make border security more efficient by allowing passengers who aren't considered a danger to go through customs more quickly, while border guards focus on travellers who have the potential to be high risk.

But some air carriers don't appear to be training their check-in staff to recognize the cards.

I don't really understand the article. I've got Nexus and pretty much have the understanding that you don't need a passport at land crossings only. Air travel requires a passport.

Have the rules changed? Or is the article simply incorrect?

No you still need a passport for US Flights regardless of NEXUS as NEXUS does random searches for the people that use NEXUS and requires that you show both your card and passport for this and u would need your passport regardless for boarding the Airplane.

Rules has not changed. Just a loudmouth US lawyer who got caught not following the rule and some poor example of journalism of not getting the facts correct.

I know of two Canadians who pull the Nexus card only without passport trick and were sent to secondary where their Nexus/GE privileges were revoked for life.

The WFP article is seriously misleading.
All airlines require PX's to show a passport for trans border flights.
I find the issue with the NEXUS card is that certain airports do not maintain a truly dedicated NEXUS line, despite announcements to the contrary. In YOW, for example, the Minister of Transport announced with much fanfare a dedicated NEXUS line to facilitate trusted travelers. In fact, the security line is not dedicated, as travelers are constantly diverted from other lines. I arrived at the security checkpoint last month and found there was a queue ahead of me of 6 people - none of whom had the NEXUS card. I asked the official about this and was advised this is company policy! At 20:00, the dedicated NEXUS security line is closed, before the LHR flight departs. So much for a dedicated NEXUS line!

In fact, the security line is not dedicated, as travelers are constantly diverted from other lines. I arrived at the security checkpoint last month and found there was a queue ahead of me of 6 people - none of whom had the NEXUS card.

For YVR transborder, the Nexus line appears to be for airline crew and mobility-impaired too.

In YOW, for example, the Minister of Transport announced with much fanfare a dedicated NEXUS line to facilitate trusted travelers. In fact, the security line is not dedicated, as travelers are constantly diverted from other lines. I arrived at the security checkpoint last month and found there was a queue ahead of me of 6 people - none of whom had the NEXUS card. I asked the official about this and was advised this is company policy! At 20:00, the dedicated NEXUS security line is closed, before the LHR flight departs. So much for a dedicated NEXUS line!

The NEXUS line at YOW is now re-opened to Aeroplan E/SE folks. It was like that years ago...

As discussed above, I raised my concern with the fact that the NEXUS lane at YOW and the TI Bridge are not dedicated. Here is the relevant part of his response:

"Thank you for your correspondence of May 8, 2012, regarding the designated screening lines for NEXUS pass holders at Ottawa International Airport and at the Thousand Islands Bridge border crossing.

As you may be aware, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has designated NEXUS lanes at eight major airports in Canada. Although these lines are “designated” for NEXUS use, they are not exclusive. As such, the NEXUS screening line could be used by passengers that are not NEXUS members to optimize the use of CATSA resources.

Nevertheless, as a result of your correspondence, Transport Canada officials have contacted CATSA and asked that your concerns be taken into consideration."


I guess this changes the definition of "dedicated"!