U.S. no-fly list may ensnare youngsters, Goodale says
• The U.S. no-fly list, not Canada’s secret airsecurity roster, might be what has been ensnaring Canadian youngsters, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale is telling several families experiencing travel headaches.
In a letter to a representative of dozens of families whose children have trouble boarding airplanes, Goodale says delays can occur for passengers who have the same name as a person on Canada’s list, or “another security-related list such as the U.S. no-fly list.”
The reply to Khadija Cajee, whose six-year-old son Adam has been repeatedly delayed at the airport, underscores the complex — and often hidden — web of security measures intended to keep North American skies safe.
Goodale promised to investigate after Adam’s father, Sulemaan Ahmed, tweeted a photo from Toronto’s Pearson Airport that appeared to show the boy’s name with a “deemed high profile” label and instructions on how to proceed before allowing the youngster to check in. They were trying to board an Air Canada flight Dec. 31 to Boston to see the NHL Winter Classic.
Soon after, Goodale said his officials had reminded airlines they don’t need to screen children against Canada’s no-fly list, officially known as the Passenger Protect Program.
People with similar stories of airport snags began contacting Cajee, of Markham, Ont. She then put questions to Goodale on behalf of 21 families with Canadian-born children ranging in age from six months to 17 years.
In his reply, Goodale says there are “many reasons” people might experience delays or be prohibited from boarding a flight.
“For example, other countries, as well as airlines, maintain various security-related lists with different criteria and thresholds, which may result in delays for individuals travelling to, from, or even within Canada,” Goodale writes.
“Delays may occur for passengers who have the same name as a person listed under the (Passenger Protect Program), or another security-related list such as the U.S. no-fly list.”
Goodale suggests these travellers might want to contact the airline’s customer service representative to explain their situation and to see what steps can be taken before arriving at the airport.