Understanding the New Airport Security Measures
Updated Apr. 28, 2010
As a response to the Dec. 25th incident on Northwest Flight 253, airlines and airports have implemented enhanced security measures. But how does that affect your travel plans? Below are some answers to common questions to help you reduce the hassle and travel safely.
How many carry-on bags am I allowed?
Effective April 8, 2010, all passengers flying from Canada to the United States are allowed to bring two carry-on bags with them. If you are flying to the United States from other locations, your carry-on items could be limited, depending on the airline you are flying with. If you are concerned about your carry-on baggage, please check with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority or your airline for more information.
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What can I expect from airport security?
If you are flying to the United States, you may encounter additional screening measures, including pat-downs, bag searches and full-body scans. Depending on the airport, these screening measures may also be conducted on passengers flying elsewhere.
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How long will this last?
The enhanced security measures implemented worldwide in the days following December 25th, 2010, have no official end time. While restrictions have been lifted regarding carry-on luggage, the more thorough security process and additional screening measures could be indefinite.
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about how the new airport security measure affects you and your travels, please contact us.
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Is Canada using full-body scanners?
Canada installed its first full-body scanner at Toronto Pearson Airport on January 20, 2010. More scanners will be installed in airports across the country in the next few months. The scanners use radio waves to provide a three-dimensional image of the passenger’s body, which can help reveal weapons or devices that could be hidden under clothing. Images are viewed by an officer in a separate room and will be deleted immediately. These scanners have also been approved for use in the UK and the Netherlands.
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Does everyone have to get the scan?
The scanners will only be used for passengers who require a secondary screening, and will not be used on children. In Canada, and some international airports, passengers will have the option to choose a physical pat-down instead.
Once installed, the scanners will be part of the increased security measures for all US-bound passengers.
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What other security measures are on the horizon?
In addition to introducing full body scanners, a passenger behaviour observation program and strengthening explosive trace detection, the Canadian government has announced that it will provide $1.5 billion over the next five years to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). This money will be used to further invest in Canada’s aviation security programs and will be paid for through an Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC).
The ATSC will range from $2.58 for a one-way domestic flight, to $8.91 for international flights. Additionally, the Government of Canada will conduct a full review of CATSA’s spending and budgets to ensure that Canada’s aviation security is effective and efficient.
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How do airport security measures affect my travel insurance?
Travel Medical Insurance
The security measures should not affect your travel medical insurance, unless you are injured during a terrorist event. In this case, travel medical insurance policies that have a terrorism limitation or exclusion may reduce coverage.
Contact us for more information on your travel medical insurance.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Plans
Most trip cancellation and interruption plans do not cover you if you’ve missed a flight due to airport security measures. While all plans have coverage for missed connections, many insurers only cover missed flights because of weather, mechanical failure of a vehicle, or traffic accidents and road closures. These plans would not be useful for covering a missed flight because of airport security.
There are trip cancellation and interruption plans that have more flexible coverage for missed connections. These may be of use, but only when airport security measures have caused your flight to be rescheduled (which then results in a missed connection). At the moment, there is no plan that covers you if your flight departs on time, but you miss it because you have been delayed by airport security.
Insurance Tips
- Arrive at the airport early enough to allow time to clear security
- Make sure that you know ahead of time if your carry on is appropriate and meets the airline’s new regulations, so you’re not delayed in security
- Contact your airline for detailed information about your flight
- Call Ingle International to make sure that you’re getting right type of travel insurance
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Links and Resources
Transportation Security Administration (U.S. resource) – Get the latest security updates from the United States government
Transport Canada – Find out what security measures the Canadian government has implemented
Airline and Airport Links – Find the websites for most major airports and airlines in the world
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