Verified Travellers: Security-Screening at Select Canadian Airports

Updated May 8, 2026
Verified Travellers: Security-Screening at Select Canadian Airports - IMG 0834
To the point Enhanced security screening experience for Verified Travellers will be available at select Canadian airports from June 2023.

In June 2023, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will launch a new program called Verified Travellers, which will provide eligible travellers with a better security-screening experience at select airports across Canada.

Hopefully, this will expedite things for the coming summer season, but it is still recommended to get to the airport early and enjoy some time in VIP lounges instead of in security lines!

Verified Traveller – Benefits

Eligible travellers will be able to benefit from these advantages:

  • Keep liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on.
  • Keep laptop computers and electronics in your carry-on.
  • Wear shoes, belts, light jackets, and hats.
  • Keep small valuable items in your pockets.
  • You may be accompanied by co-travellers who are 17 years old or younger or 75 years old or older.

Passengers wearing headwear, including religious or cultural head coverings, may continue to wear them. However, you may be required to remove your headwear or head covering for a physical search.

The Verified Traveller program will be available at the following airports, with their respective launch dates:

AirportLaunch DateFlight Type
Calgary International Airport – CJune 20, 2023Domestic
Edmonton International AirportJune 20, 2023Domestic/Int’l
Montréal-Trudeau International AirportJune 14, 2023Domestic/Int’l/Transborder
Toronto Pearson International Airport – T1 and T3June 20, 2023Domestic/Transborder
Vancouver International Airport – Domestic NorthJune 13, 2023Domestic
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson AirportJune 20, 2023Domestic/Int’l
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International AirportAugust 23, 2023Domestic/Int’l
Halifax Stanfield International AirportAugust 23, 2023Domestic/Int’l

Verified Traveller – Transborder Benefits

Verified travellers on transborder flights (towards the United States) will receive similar benefits, such as keeping permitted liquids in their carry-on, wearing shoes, belts, light jackets, and headwear, and storing small items in pockets. Co-travellers can also accompany verified Travellers during the screening process, regardless of age.

These transborder benefits only apply at Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto-Pearson airports.

Verified Traveller – Front-of-the-Line Benefits

Additionally, Verified Travellers will receive front-of-the-line service at specific airports.

The participating airports for this benefit include:

AirportFlight Type
Billy Bishop Toronto City AirportDomestic/Transborder
Calgary International Airport—Concourse A—D—ETransborder
Edmonton International AirportTransborder
Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc Int’l AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Halifax Stanfield International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Kelowna International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Ottawa International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Québec City Jean Lesage Int’l AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Regina International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Saskatoon International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
St. John’s International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Toronto Pearson International Airport—T1—T3Int’l/Transborder
Vancouver International AirportDomestic South/Int’l/Transborder
Victoria International AirportDomestic/Int’l/Transborder
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson AirportTransborder

Verified Traveller – Eligibility and Membership

To become a Verified Traveller, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Verified Traveller membership is available to:

  • NEXUS Members: NEXUS is a Canada Border Services Agency program that expedites border crossings between Canada and the United States for eligible travellers. For more information on obtaining a NEXUS card, see our guide here.
  • Global Entry Members: Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that expedites clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the US.
  • Military Personnel: Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the United States military, including reservists, who have valid identification.
  • Aircrew and Airport Workers: Canadian aircrew in uniform and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards (RAICs), as well as international aircrew with valid airline ID.
  • RCMP/Police Officers: Officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian police officers, and constables who have proper photo identification and badges issued by their respective organizations.
Verified Travellers: Security-Screening at Select Canadian Airports - TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card YUL security

Given that several credit cards offer NEXUS credit, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can become a Verified Traveller for free if you have the right credit card. If you do not already have one, you can sign up for one to take advantage of this as well as a generous welcome bonus.

In addition, because of the appointment backlog for NEXUS interviews despite new options, this is very useful if parents have NEXUS while the children do not. While families travelling with young children can usually access an expedited line, it is not the case when travelling with teenagers.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Aline Nguyen
Aline Nguyen
Aline, an experienced traveler and avid photographer, is an Avgeek, a foodie at heart and a mother to two children. An expert in credit cards & rewards programs, including Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Avion, she uses points to travel affordably and save in daily life. Having explored all 7 continents and 83 countries, Aline shares her travel passion and insights to help others make the most of loyalty programs.
All posts by Aline Nguyen

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