The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and its partners make you and your family’s air travel security their number one priority at all airports within Canada.

Our goal is to ensure your pre-board screening experience is as efficient as possible. We strive to conduct consistent, effective and professional screenings of you and your personal carry-on baggage in a manner that is courteous and respectful.

Pre-board Screening Officers are trained to stringently screen for prohibited items or dangerous goods. Therefore it is important to never joke or make “small talk” about bombs, firearms or other weapons while going through pre-board screening as this can be considered an offence under the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations.

What to expect at the pre-board screening checkpoint:

• Present your boarding pass or e-ticket, and passport to the pre-board screening officer.
• Disclose any personal needs you may have due to a medical condition, disability, religious or cultural consideration, or other special needs.
• Place carry-on items (i.e. purse, coat, hat) in the plastic bin provided.
• All loose and metal objects, including coins and keys must also be placed in the plastic bin.
• Laptop computers and gaming consoles should be taken out of their carrying cases and placed in a plastic bin.
• Proceed through the metal detector archway when the screening officer signals you to do so.
• If you are selected for an additional physical search, you may request a private search area.
• Remember to take all of your belongings with you when leaving the pre-board screening checkpoint area.

Learn how to Pack Smart and do your part in making yours and other air travellers’ pre-board screening experience a pleasant one!