I flew JAX-YYZ on the 20th, and YYZ-YYC on AC3969 (5pm departure) on the 21st.

In JAX, the check-in agent asked for photo ID but not my passport. She also asked the usual American baggage questions. The only difference in security was they were checking boarding passes. I did not set off the metal detector, and everyone was completely uninterested in my electronic items. No one ever asked for my passport, even though it was a transborder flight. The terminal was deserted except for the 26 passengers on the Air Canada flight.

YYZ was also very empty for a Friday afternoon. I was asked for photo ID at the check-in, but they did not mention anything about electronic items in my carry-on luggage. However, this time the security screening was very professional. I set off the metal detector and was padded down by a guard. They found and checked all my electronic items. The guards were polite and thorough. No ID was checked during boarding. The aircraft was supposed to be a 767, but Ac substituted an A320, and even that had empty seats.

I am now in the YYC MLL for the return trip. The security guards here were as uninterested in my luggage as they always are, and no one has even asked about my electronic devices.

In all three cases, it took me less than 10 minutes to check in and clear security.

Conclusion: the new security measures are not being applied uniformly, and they really aren't going to do anything other than annoy travellers the odd time the guards and agents actually pay attention to the rules. There is no need to get to the airport any eariler than before.

Oh, we had metal butter knives on our flight to YYC. Either Transport Canada has realized that they are being silly, or that rule isn't being applied throughout the system either.