Enhanced security begins for U.S.-bound flights

Canadians flying to the United States are already subject to random security checks, but enhanced security measures are taking things to a new level — random screenings of personal electronic devices.

The new screening rules for all U.S.-bound flights were put in motion Wednesday. Any electronic device larger than a smartphone may be subject to an examination, according to Mathieu Larocque, a spokesperson for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. These could include laptops, tablets, e-readers or even small gaming consoles.

Officials will do an explosive detection test and make sure the device can be powered up, Larocque said.

Devices will need to be easily accessible, be able to turn on and have their cases removed, he added.

At the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, passengers travelling to the United States are being asked to arrive three hours before their flight’s departure — though this has been the case since the end of June.

“We want people to have time to come and do their check-in and security process,” said Trudeau airport spokesperson Stéphanie Lepage.

She could not say whether the enhanced screening would cause longer lines at airport security. “We will have to wait and see.” The Trudeau airport is also asking its U.S.-bound passengers to remove their electronic devices from their cases and protective covers, and to keep them turned on.

“If (a passenger is) randomly selected, at least they will be prepared and they won’t slow down the flow,” Lepage said.

Both Air Canada and WestJet are also advising passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow for additional screening.

The United States Department of Homeland Security said last month that, “in light of evaluated intelligence,” it was deemed necessary to implement enhanced security measures for all commercial flights to the United States.

It said these measures would include enhanced overall passenger screening, increased security around aircraft and in passenger areas, the use of advanced technology for screenings and expanded canine screening.