Canadian Airports: Tsa Precheck Availability And Benefits

Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS or Global Entry are eligible for TSA PreCheck, which is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initiative. TSA PreCheck is available at more than 115 airports in the US, and travellers can complete the airport security process without removing shoes, jackets, belts, or laptops from their cases. Canada has also launched a similar program called Verified Traveller, which offers expedited screening services at several Canadian airports.

Canadian citizens can use TSA PreCheck

Canadian citizens can indeed use TSA PreCheck, but only if they are members of NEXUS. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) risk-based security initiative that lets low-risk travellers experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.

Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members can enter their membership number (PASS ID) in the "Known Traveller Number" field when booking reservations or enter it into their frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables the TSA's Secure Flight System to verify that the traveller is a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveller and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck.

The membership number can be found by logging into a Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) account, where it is listed towards the bottom of the page. It is also located on the back of a Trusted Traveller card in the upper-left corner.

It is important to note that TSA determines a passenger's eligibility for TSA PreCheck on a flight-by-flight basis, and random security measures are incorporated throughout the airport. Therefore, no individual is guaranteed expedited screening, even with a Known Traveller Number.

Canada has also launched its own trusted traveller program called "Verified Traveller," which functions similarly to TSA PreCheck, offering expedited screening services at security checkpoints in several Canadian airports.

Global Entry members can use Verified Traveller in Canada

Canada has recently launched a new program called "Verified Traveller", which offers expedited screening services at security checkpoints in several Canadian airports. This program is similar to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck program, which allows travellers to skip the general security line and speed through security.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the United States. It is one of several Trusted Traveller Programs recognised by the U.S. government, which also include NEXUS and SENTRI. Global Entry members can use their membership to access TSA PreCheck benefits at U.S. airports.

Global Entry members can now also benefit from Verified Traveller perks in Canada. This means that they can use their Global Entry membership card to access expedited security screening at participating Canadian airports. The following Canadian airports currently have Verified Traveller lanes:

• Calgary (YYC): Domestic
• Edmonton (YEG): Domestic/International
• Halifax (YHV): Domestic/International (pilot starting Aug. 22)
• Montreal (YUL): Domestic/International/Transborder
• Ottawa (YOW): Domestic/International (pilot starting Aug. 9)
• Toronto (YYZ): Terminals 1 & 3, Domestic/Transborder
• Winnipeg (YWG): Domestic/International
• Vancouver (YVR): Domestic

At these airports, Global Entry members can expect a dedicated screening lane and will not need to remove their coats or shoes. Many other Canadian airports also offer "front-of-the-line" service for Verified Travellers. It is important to note that, unlike when clearing U.S. customs, Global Entry members must present their physical membership card to use Verified Traveller in Canada.

Children under 17 and adults over 75 who are booked on the same reservation as a Verified Traveller member can accompany them through the Verified Traveller lane. At some transborder checkpoints for flights to the U.S., anyone booked on the same reservation as a Verified Traveller member can accompany them through security, regardless of age.

Air Canada is the first non-US airline to join TSA PreCheck

Air Canada is the first non-US airline to join the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck programme. The TSA PreCheck programme allows travellers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating US airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel. Air Canada passengers can now avail of expedited screening at over 40 US locations.

TSA PreCheck is a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative, which allows low-risk travellers to experience quicker transit through airport security screening. The programme is available to travellers who are Canadian citizens and members of NEXUS, foreign citizens who are members of Global Entry, US citizens with a Known Traveller Number (KTN), US citizens, US nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents who are members of the TSA PreCheck application programme, and members of the US Armed Forces.

Air Canada's participation in the TSA PreCheck programme means that travellers flying with the Canadian carrier can now register for PreCheck. This allows them to complete the airport security process without having to remove their shoes, jackets, and belts, and without removing their laptop from its case.

Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security, commented on Air Canada's inclusion in the programme:

> "I thank Air Canada for working with TSA to become the first international carrier to offer TSA PreCheck. This action underscores our commitment to easing the traveller experience, while maintaining the highest standards of security."

Benjamin Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, added:

> "Air Canada is delighted to be the first international airline to offer TSA PreCheck, accelerating the security screening process for eligible customers at most of the US destinations served by Air Canada. Air Canada serves the most passengers with the most daily flights of any non-US carrier in the United States. TSA PreCheck will make our customers’ travel experience with us even more enjoyable, including those connecting through our main hubs in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver to international destinations in Asia and Europe."

TSA PreCheck is available at over 115 US airports

TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) risk-based security initiative. It allows low-risk travellers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel. TSA PreCheck is available at over 115 airports in the United States, with more than 40 of those locations offering expedited screening to Air Canada customers.

Air Canada is the first non-US airline to join the TSA PreCheck programme, allowing travellers flying with the Canadian carrier to register for PreCheck. This means that eligible customers can complete the airport security process without removing their shoes, jackets, or belts, and without taking their laptops out of their cases.

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must be a:

• Canadian citizen who is a member of NEXUS
• Foreign citizen who is a member of Global Entry (not registered as a U.S. lawful permanent resident)
• U.S. citizen with a Known Traveller Number (KTN)
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident who is a member of the TSA PreCheck application program
• Member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard

If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must provide your Known Traveller Number (KTN) at check-in. If you are checking in at the airport, the TSA PRECHK indicator will print on your boarding pass if you are eligible. For online or mobile check-in, the TSA PRECHK indicator will be displayed on your electronic boarding pass and incorporated into the 2D barcode.

It is important to note that TSA determines a passenger's eligibility for TSA PreCheck on a flight-by-flight basis, and random security measures are implemented throughout the airport. Therefore, there is no guarantee that you will benefit from expedited screening, even if you have a Known Traveller Number and are departing from an airport that offers TSA PreCheck.

Canadian airports with Verified Traveller lanes

Canada's new Verified Traveller program is a PreCheck-like service that offers expedited screening at security checkpoints in several Canadian airports. The program was launched in June 2023, replacing the previous "Trusted Traveller" program.

The following Canadian airports will have Verified Traveller lanes:

• Calgary International Airport (YYC): Domestic
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG): Domestic/International
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ): Domestic/International
• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL): Domestic/International/Transborder
• Ottawa International Airport (YOW): Domestic/International
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Terminals 1 & 3, Domestic/Transborder
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG): Domestic/International
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR): Domestic

Many other Canadian airports will have a "front-of-the-line" service for Verified Travellers, where they can skip the queue at security. This service is currently available at select checkpoints in the following airports:

• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport (YQM)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
• Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
• Regina International Airport (YQR)
• Saskatoon International Airport (YXE)
• St. John's International Airport (YYT)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

At major airports, passengers with Verified Traveller status will have access to a separate security lane and will be able to leave certain items in their carry-on bags. These items include permitted liquids, aerosols, gels, laptops, electronics, shoes, belts, light jackets, and headwear. Small, non-metal items such as wallets can be kept in pockets. It is important to note that these passengers will still be subject to regular security measures, including scanning their carry-on bags and passing through a metal detector.

At smaller airports, Verified Travellers will receive front-of-the-line access at security checkpoints, which can save time during peak travel periods.

To use the Verified Traveller lanes, eligible individuals must provide proof of their status. This can be done by presenting a physical membership card or, in some cases, by showing online proof of enrolment. The final decision on accepting proof of status rests with the officer.

Frequently asked questions