Canada Expands ‘Trusted Traveler’ Program, Simplifies Security Screenings for Low-Risk Flyers at Four International Airports
Joe Cortez December 22, 2014
The Trusted Traveler program has expanded to four Canadian airports, offering expedited security screening for NEXUS and Global Entry participants.
Trusted Travelers flying from Canada to the U.S. will soon enjoy a simpler security experience at the nation’s four busiest airports. In a set of new travel initiatives, the Ministry of National Revenue announced an expansion of the Trusted Traveler program at Calgary International Airport (YYC), Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The expanded Trusted Traveler program mirrors a pilot project started nearly one year ago at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), according to CBC News. Under the expansion, flyers with Global Entry, flight crews, and members of the Canadian and U.S. military will be able to access expedited security lanes, similar to the TSA’s PreCheck program. Previously, the expedited lanes were only open to NEXUS cardholders.
“Having more pre-approved low-risk travelers improves the flow of legitimate trade and travel and allows us to focus efforts on higher-risk travelers and goods,” Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findlay said in a statement announcing the expansion. “By working with our aviation security partners in Canada and the United States, we will continue to strengthen both the security and efficiency of our aviation system.”
As part of the program expansion, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has increased the number of kiosks available at all four airports. According to the press release, the new kiosks will offer travelers a faster, more efficient experience when clearing customs.
While rolled out ahead of the busy holiday travel season, the measures are part of a bigger plan to make the travel experience easier. In September, The Globe and Mail reported Canada’s efforts to develop a program with the Netherlands, in which both countries would recognize each others’ Trusted Travelers.
[Photo: iStock]
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Flew from YUL to EWR. They would not take my word that I have Global Entry, so I had to take the regular lane. I don't carry my Global Entry card and my passport is new so doesn't have the Global Entry stamp -- so good idea to bring that one along from now on! The fact that my BP also had the TSA Pre-check on it made no difference (surprised that printed out). My friend also didn't have a Global Entry card, but did have a Global Entry sticker in his passport -- they sent him in the expedited lane but did a residue test on him; they said that the stamp alone doesn't prove he has Global Entry. Of course right after security we walked up to the Global Entry machines, and the US agents said that they should still have let us through the expedited lanes. So it looks like they are still getting the kinks out. But an awesome idea.
I got an SSSS today at YVR, so much for Nexus/Global Entry today.
This is great. When I traveled from YUL to LAX in July I had to take the normal line then take a long walk to where the Nexus line dropped off for US CBP.