Just went through transfer security at YYC from domestic to the US. The same bag containing the same liquids (all under 100 mL) that I went through security with in YVR, that I went through US security with at YYZ earlier this week, and that I always travel with almost weekly in Canada and the US was suddenly a problem and I had to play that game of Tetris to cram everything into that 1L plastic bag and decide which of my �liquids� to sacrifice to the security gods. I rarely travel to/from YYC but thinking back I recall having similar issues at YYC domestic Security a year ago.

I also had a couple of prescription ointments as well which I was told also had to fit in the bag (I thought these were exempt?)

Now I know what the CATSA website says about things fitting in the 1L bag etc. but a rule is really only a rule if it is consistently enforced all the time everywhere. And at least in my experience, I have not seen this enforced like this in years.

Please tell me if I�m being ridiculous or if CATSA at YYC truly is the worst.

It has happened to me twice at GLA, so not just CATSA. Drives me bonkers. I use a clear, zipped Muji bag that is much more user friendly than a ziploc bag. Same size though. They need to get a grip on this liquids idiocy.

Yes.......to answer the OP�s question succinctly.

I wrote numerous letters to CATSA, as well as the local airport authority, .....complaining about how the Nexus line simply merged into the standard line. It took 3 months, but, they finally fixed it, no doubt I wasn�t the only one doing so.

Don�t get me started on the utterly stupid, poorly designed, and useless baggage scanning belt system they use, and the fact that they only have 1 or 2 of them in operation on the US side at any time when faced with a large line.

On my recent flight YYC-IAH trip last Saturday they were punching bags thru, we could see the scanners monitors clearly as the bags moved thru, yet NO ONE was sitting there clearing them and viewing the scanner.......they were just going thru the x-ray for about 5 minutes until the guy came back.

I tried to take a phone video to put online, but my wife freaked out and was going to make a scene so I didn�t.

The newer style X-Rays are remotely cleared for the most part, if someone doesn't clear a bag (I.e. Timeout), it will automatically go into the secondary bin.

Have a look at the link below.

CATSA is terrible everywhere. What is your evidence CATSA is the worst in YYC? One observation?

FYI, I had a positive experience at YYC in August. A CATSA agent went our her way to assist a family with a young child and too much carry on. She assisted them with their stroller and smiled!! I was so impressed I wrote to CATSA about this (NB I sought her permission first). Their reply is below:

On behalf of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), we thank you for your e-mail dated August 17, 2017, in which you expressed pleasure with the manner in which screening officer Colleen at the Calgary International Airport assisted you at pre-board security.

While security is our first priority, we emphasize to our staff the importance of providing a high level of professional and courteous service to passengers. We are always pleased to hear from the travelling public about their positive experience and we will pass along your compliment to screening and management personnel at the airport.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write to us and we hope all your future travels through Canadian airports are as positive as this one.

In fact, CATSA has # structural problems:
- poor training;
- poor pay;
- high turnover, as compared to their US counterparts.

Do I recommend contacting them? Don't waste your time, IMO! Save your breath - and watch Jessica Lee instead:

This was more of a vent I guess. I just find it incredibly frustrating travelling with the same set of liquids in the same containers in the same bag through all other major Canadian airports dozens of time per year, and then only at YYC are these now a problem, despite being perfectly acceptable 2 hours earlier at YVR. So at least for me, they are worst.

(And the couple of liquids I had in my computer bag - they totally missed those on their scanner )

Yes, YYC transborder is by far the worst IMO. Sounds like par for the course.

I�ve had bags kicked off to secondary numerous times for no reason at all. Suggest filing a complaint with CATSA, as YYC transborder needs to get their act together.

This had to be seen to be believed. About 18 months ago I am sitting in the US concourse at YYC with our team of co-workers heading to Wisconsin on UAL.

Colleague beside me asks where am I seated ? In 22A I reply........well, so was she. Checked her BP and it was from the UA kiosk like mine and they both said 22A.

OK we are both software analysts and know that excrement occurs. Problem is that my name is also on her BP as well as mine.

Now to get to the gate where we were, you go thru security and the CBP. You have about 3 CATSA folks check your BP and then the US CBP as well.

I am a Caucasian male with a masculine first name and she is an African American female with a ladies name.

Needless to say the UA gate agent was utterly speechless when we walked up to her to sort our seating arrangements out.

Exempt as long as the ointment has the prescription label on it.

Only been through YYC once, and had a prohibited item confiscated and the agent was very courteous.

On the other hand, I've seen CATSA agents get into verbal fights with each other here in YYZ right in front of passengers. Very unprofessional.