Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Not sure why the verified traveler program allows verified travelers to bring companions who themselves are not eligible if traveling solo. It sort of defeats the purpose of being 'verified', and ends up adding too many passengers to the expedited line.
I’m assuming it is to align with both TSA PreCheck and old CATSA rules. Old CATSA rules allow any traveller on the same flight to join the TT. TSA Pre allows those under 12 to accompany their parents through the TSA PreCheck line. CATSA VT rules seem to be a balance of both.
It is noteworthy that non TSA PreCheck members who travel on the same reservation as a TSA Precheck member to generally get TSA Precheck as well, but this is random and not granted to all travellers
If the line is too long, or an officer chooses to, CATSA always can refuse co traveller access, or even a VT’s access to the VT lane, if the screening officer decideds so, like random swabbing of electronics and personal items, or maiming you go through a full body scan or pat down which is deemed as additional screening, and VTs are not exempt from this, nor should they be
What I find annoying about the VT program as compared to TSA Pre is that too many decisions lie with the screening officer, where in TSAs case, it is mainly done through TSA Secure Flight. Too many CATSA employees are not aware of all policies