In an effort to cut wait times, the Calgary International Airport has launched a new screening line — allowing passengers to leave liquids and electronics in their carry-on bag during security check.
“So when you’re going through screening, and going to the vessel where you’re unpacking stuff, you don’t need to take your laptops out or your bags, so think of those one or two minutes — that’s going to accelerate the process,” explained Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) spokesperson Dominique Huras.
CT technology uses three-dimensional, rotatable X-ray imaging — allowing screening officers to better analyze luggage and detect any potential items of concern.
Travellers headed from Calgary to the United States on Thursday told CityNews they’re eager to test out the new tech.
“As a person who carries nothing but electronics in their carry ons, it would actually help me with the process a lot because I have to go through and take out monitors, two laptops, everything — all my equipment so it actually would help,” one woman said.
“Especially if you get here a little late for whatever reason and there’s traffic and we’re just trying to get to the gate on time — anything to spend up the security process, because that can really bog down someone’s trip,” another traveler added.
According to the CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, the new scanner — which has already been launched in Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal, couldn’t have come to Calgary at a better time.
“We’re looking at another record year — 2023 was a record year for Calgary,” Chris Dinsdale said. “We were at about 18-and-a-half [million travelers], so we’re going to be just shy of around 19 million this year.”
“It’s a remarkable accomplishment.”
The new system is part of a wider initiative to advance screening technologies in all airports across Canada over the next several years.