New Screening Technology Allows Liquids and Laptops to Remain in Carry-Ons at Select Canadian Airports
Passengers at some Canadian airports can now pass through security without removing liquids or electronics from their carry-on baggage, thanks to new screening technology.
The upgraded screening lines utilize 3D X-ray technology to detect explosives and other threats without the need for passengers to take out permitted liquids, aerosols, gels, laptops, or medical devices from their carry-on bags, according to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). This was announced in a Dec. 3 press release, revealing the latest implementation of the technology at the Calgary airport (YYC).
“As the holiday season approaches, the introduction of CATSA’s new CT X-ray technology to one of our screening lanes at YYC couldn’t be more timely,” said Chris Dinsdale, CEO and president of Calgary Airport Authority, in the press release.
Vancouver International Airport was the first to implement the technology in September. Ottawa and Montreal-Trudeau International Airports followed in October, installing devices at one domestic-international checkpoint in each airport. Calgary is now the fourth location to adopt the technology at a checkpoint for travelers heading to the United States.
The devices will be installed at more airports as part of a multi-year CATSA national deployment program, with an estimated cost of approximately $23 million for the first year, according to CATSA spokesperson Dominique Huras. The timeline for the deployment program will depend on finances and the readiness of airports to cooperate in implementing the devices, Huras added.
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The devices utilize computed tomography technology, a method that relies on three-dimensional rotatable X-ray images to examine bag contents, in contrast to the current two-dimensional imaging.
The corporation reassured that the new devices do not pose health risks, as the technology complies with Health Canada’s safety standards, including the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, and Canadian electrical equipment safety regulations.
This new screening technology specifically applies to liquids up to 100 milliliters, CTSA specified. Liquids exceeding this limit will still need to be taken out of carry-on bags at security checkpoints.
Established in 2002, CATSA is a Crown corporation responsible for public safety through proper screening of air passengers and their baggage. It is funded by parliamentary appropriations and is accountable to Parliament through Canada’s transport minister. The corporation was allocated $859.59 million for its operations during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The next airport in line to receive the new screening line will be the Toronto Pearson International Airport, expected before the holidays, according to Huras.
