NEW SCREENING ADDS TO AIRPORT TIME
Temporary baggage-check area may get congested in busy periods
Departing passengers at Victoria International Airport should show up a little earlier to make time for a temporary baggage screening system that went into service this week.
A large white tent has been set up at the east end of the terminal to screen bags. The existing system is being shut down to make way for a $9.7-million enhanced baggage system that should be ready in January 2017.
The Victoria Airport Authority said departing passengers should go to their airline’s kiosk to get a baggage tag. Once you have the tag, take your bags to the screening area under the tent.
Passengers flying with various airlines will line up with their bags at the tent. There could be congestion during busy times until the new system comes into effect, officials said.
It’s the reason why passengers are being asked to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to flights. The cut-off time to check in with an airline is 45 minutes before departure, said Geoff Dickson, president and chief executive of the airport authority.
Airports are getting new screening equipment in a country-wide upgrading by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, a federal Crown corporation.
In 2013-2014, CATSA screened more than 53.9 million passengers and their luggage. The corporation rolled out its 10-year upgrading program for baggage screening during 2011 and 2012. It’s Victoria’s turn now. “The program will lead to cost savings from the elimination of duplicate screening as well as facilitate easier transiting of passengers departing Canada and transiting through U.S. airports,” CATSA’s annual report said.
The new system will be on par with American screening systems, eliminating the need for additional screening for connecting Canadian baggage.
Older screening equipment in Canada, bought in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedies in the U.S., is reaching the end of its useful life, the report said.
The Victoria airport handled a record 1.65 million passengers in 2014. To the end of July of this year, it has processed 976,022 passengers.
Every day, the airport sees about 120 flights to destinations around North America.
A daily average is about 2,000 passengers and 1,500 pieces of checked luggage, Dickson said.
Once CATSA’s more efficient system is operating, all baggage will go through three-dimensional screening technology, said Ian West, director of security and terminal operations.
If alerted by the system, operators will check screens and determine whether a physical search of baggage is needed, he said. Equipment to check for trace amounts of explosives can also be used.
“This is exactly the same process that the U.S. has been using since 9-11,” West said.
The Victoria airport has been using a two-dimensional image system for initial vetting, followed by 3-D screening if deemed necessary.
Under the temporary tent, two-dimensional screening equipment will be used, followed up by physical checks if needed, West said.