Starting this summer, some air travellers in Canada will no longer need to take their personal belongings out of their carry-on luggage during airport security screening.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made the announcement Tuesday for a new Verified Traveller Program being launched by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) that will take off in June.
The new lines will allow eligible travellers to keep laptops, large electronics, and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on at security screening checkpoints, according to a press release from Transport Canada. They also won’t need to take their shoes, belts and jackets off during the screening process.
Members of NEXUS and Global Entry, airport staff, aircrews, RCMP and police officers with IDs as well as active members of the Canadian and U.S. military, including reservists, would be eligible for these benefits.
Children aged 17 and younger and seniors of 75 years and older who are accompanying verified travellers will also be able to bypass the extra security steps.
The screening lines will be available at six international airports in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.
Transport Canada said the new program, which replaces the current Trusted Traveller Program, will help ease congestion over time and offer a “faster and more efficient screening experience.”