Air travellers face longer wait times, tighter security

Travellers flying out of Victoria International and other Canadian airports are now facing extra security rules and potentially longer wait times — no matter what their destination.

The U.S. and Canada are each imposing additional security measures at airports.

“We just want to make sure that passengers are aware, as a result of these new screening procedures, the government is, of course, recommending that you arrive earlier to the airport,” said James Bogusz, vice-president of airport operations and development at Victoria International.

The airport continues to recommend that domestic passengers arrive 90 minutes prior to departure for a domestic flight and two hours for international flights, Bogusz said.

“You can come as early as you like for your flight; you’ve really got to make sure that you come at least 90 minutes before,” he said.

“And if we find that this procedure is having a significant impact on security wait time, we would change our recommendation.”

The Victoria International Airport was notified July 18 that more intensive screening can be expected by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

Canada’s security authority screening covers all of the approximately 2,000 to 2,500 passengers who fly out of Victoria daily. • Travellers should ensure that protective covers or cases can be removed from all electronic devices, the security authority says. These cases can be removed in advance. • Cases include products such as the Otterbox for cellphones, covers for iPads, and anything similar. • Each device must be charged and able to be powered up. • If devices cannot be removed from cases or cannot be powered on, they will not be allowed past the screening checkpoint.

WestJet and Air Canada are urging passengers to show up at the airport at least two hours before their flight departs to make time for the more stringent checks.

Enhanced security measures came into effect July 19 for passengers heading to the U.S. from Canadian airports, under rules imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to combat terrorism.

Victoria International offers a number of ways for travellers to check security wait times. People can check its web page at victoriaairport.com. There is a sign outside the airport that posts up-to-date information and another at the entrance to the security area.