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Understanding the New Airport Security Measures

Updated Jan. 21, 2010

As a response to the Dec. 25th incident on Northwest Flight 253, airlines and airports have implemented enhanced security measures. But how does that affect your travel plans? Below are some answers to common questions to help you reduce the hassle and travel safely.

How many carry-on bags am I allowed?

If you are flying to the United States, your carry-on baggage may be restricted. Transport Canada allows only one carry-on bag for any passenger flying to the United States. This does not include necessary items, such as small purses, canes, laptops or items for the care of small children. If you are carrying medications, reading material or personal electronics, you will need to pack them into your carry-on bag before going through security. If you are flying to the United States from other locations, your carry-on items may also be limited, depending on the airline you are flying with.

Visit the Transport Canada website for a full list of permitted carry-on items.

What can I expect from airport security?

If you are flying to the United States, you may encounter additional screening measures, including pat-downs, bag searches and full-body scans. Depending on the airport, these screening measures may also be conducted on passengers flying elsewhere.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most airlines and airports are advising that you arrive one hour earlier than normal for any flight to the United States. So, if you are supposed to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight, you should arrive 3 hours early instead. If you are traveling elsewhere, you should probably arrive an hour earlier as well, to allow for the delays at check-in and security.

What can I do to minimize the effect of these new measures when I travel?

Remember the 3 Ps: Packed, Prepared and Patient.

Packed: Pack as light as you can, and avoid taking carry-on bags unless they are necessary.
Prepared: Check the website for your airport and airline, to get updates on security measures. Arrive early, to give you extra time to get through security.
Patient: Expect long line-ups and more hassles when you get to the airport. Try to be patient, and remember that these measures are being taken to help you travel safely

How long will this last?

While the security measures were implemented worldwide in the days following December 25th, there is no official end time. Until the situation is properly assessed and investigated, there is no way to know if these security measures will be temporary or permanent. Make sure you check the airport’s website before you travel to find out if these security measures are still in effect.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about how the new airport security measure affects you and your travels, please contact us.

Is Canada using full-body scanners?

Canada installed its first full-body scanner at Toronto Pearson Airport on January 20, 2010. More scanners will be installed in airports across the country in the next few months. The scanners use radio waves to provide a three-dimensional image of the passenger’s body, which can help reveal weapons or devices that could be hidden under clothing. Images are viewed by an officer in a separate room and will be deleted immediately. These scanners have also been approved for use in the UK and the Netherlands.

Does everyone have to get the scan?

The scanners will only be used for passengers who require a secondary screening, and will not be used on children. In Canada, and some international airports, passengers will have the option to choose a physical pat-down instead.

Once installed, the scanners will be part of the increased security measures for all US-bound passengers.

What other security measures are on the horizon?

The Canadian government is considering the development of a passenger behaviour observation program. This kind of program trains security officials to watch passengers for unusual body language or behaviour, and also teaches them which questions to ask so that they can identify potential security threats.

Some behaviour screening programs also include closed-circuit televisions monitored by trained officers for suspicious passenger behaviour. These programs have been active in several US and international airports for a few years.

How do airport security measures affect my travel insurance?

Travel Medical Insurance

The security measures should not affect your travel medical insurance, unless you are injured during a terrorist event. In this case, travel medical insurance policies that have a terrorism limitation or exclusion may reduce coverage.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Plans

Most trip cancellation and interruption plans do not cover you if you’ve missed a flight due to airport security measures. While all plans have coverage for missed connections, many insurers only cover missed flights because of weather, mechanical failure of a vehicle, or traffic accidents and road closures. These plans would not be useful for covering a missed flight because of airport security.

There are trip cancellation and interruption plans that have more flexible coverage for missed connections. These may be of use, but only when airport security measures have caused your flight to be rescheduled (which then results in a missed connection). At the moment, there is no plan that covers you if your flight departs on time, but you miss it because you have been delayed by airport security.

Insurance Tips

Arrive at the airport early enough to allow time to clear security
Make sure that you know ahead of time if your carry on is appropriate and meets the airline’s new regulations, so you’re not delayed in security
Contact your airline for detailed information about your flight
Call Ingle International to make sure that you’re getting right type of travel insurance

Links and Resources

Transportation Security Administration (U.S. resource) – Get the latest security updates from the United States government

Transport Canada – Find out what security measures the Canadian government has implemented

Airline and Airport Links – Find the websites for most major airports and airlines in the world