We wish to remind our clients about heightened security procedures in place at Canada's airports and elsewhere. Revised security policies and procedures, particularly baggage rules, may vary by airport and airline, but generally affect air travel to, from, and within the USA.
Increased airport screening, including several carry-on baggage searches, and personal "pat-downs" can be expected, including at the gate or in the jetway. In most all cases, passengers enroute to or within the USA will not be permitted to leave their seats, access overhead bins, or keep blankets and personal effects in their laps during the last hour prior to arrival.
Some airlines will also disable inflight entertainment systems showing real-time route maps and enroute flight progress details.
Of particular concern is any inbound international passenger connecting in the USA for U.S. domestic destinations or for Canada or other countries. Due to increased security at departure, airlines are reporting delays in U.S. arrivals of between two and three hours. Passengers may miss connecting flights and have to be rebooked upon arrival in the USA. Air carriers are reported to be waiving rebooking fees for missed connections.
Additional information:
Air Canada
Effective Sunday, December 27, and until further notice, carry-on baggage will be restricted to one personal item (purse, computer bag, diaper bag, brief case or small backpack). All other items (including larger roller bags, large backpacks, etc) must be checked-in.
In order to facilitate these new security measures, Air Canada is waiving excess baggage charges for checked baggage on a temporary basis for U.S.-bound customers travelling from Canada. Air Canada recommends passengers travelling to the U.S. from Canada arrive early at the airport for their flight in order to allow adequate time for additional personal searches.
Under new rules enacted by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, passengers travelling from Canada to the United States and their carry-on baggage will be strictly limited and subject to full searches at airport screening points.
WestJet
As a result of the increased security measures now in place for all flights to the United States including the limit of one carry-on bag per guest, WestJet will be waiving excess baggage fees for all flights to the United States.
As announced on December 25, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will be conducting a secondary search at the departure gate. Each guest on flights to the United States will be required to submit to a physical pat-down search and carry-on luggage, which will be limited to one bag per guest, will be searched by hand.
These new procedures are scheduled to be in effect until at least December 30, 2009. WestJet will update guests as new information becomes available.
Other Carriers and General Information
Transport Canada and CATSA
Passengers enroute to the USA are now restricted to one carry on bag. Additional searches of passengers and their carry on bags will be carried out. Delays can be expected so passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their scheduled flight. These measures are expected to be in place at least for several days.
U.S. Transportation Security Administration Q and A
Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.
Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.
Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.
Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.
Q: How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.
