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Proactive Disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Board Screening ExperienceI speak only English. Will this be a problem for me at the pre-board screening checkpoint?
Canada has two official languages, French and English. As a Crown corporation subject to the Official Languages Act, CATSA and third parties acting on its behalf must serve Canadians in the language of their choice in areas where there is a linguistic obligation. This means that Screening Officers must offer services to the public in both official languages at designated bilingual airports across the country.
In practical terms, there should be bilingual Screening Officers on every shift at these airports. It doesn’t mean that every Screening Officer is bilingual, just that there should always be enough Screening Officers on duty who can speak both official languages to cover passenger volume.
Why is it necessary to unbuckle a belt at pre-board screening?
Most belts have metal content which may trigger an alarm that can only be resolved by undoing the belt. Please note that passengers are always asked to unbuckle the belt themselves and to hold its ends apart.
If my head covering (hat or cap) caused the alarm to sound, how would the situation be handled?
If the metal detector sounds, you will be asked to remove any item that may have caused the alarm. You do not need to take off your head covering, as long as the item causing the alarm can be removed.
If the alarm cannot be easily resolved, it may become necessary for a further inspection to be conducted. If this happens, the inspection may be conducted in a private search room or outside of public view at your request.
Am I allowed to accompany someone through the security screening point even though I do not have a boarding pass?
If you are assisting a small child, elderly person or person with special needs through the pre-board screening checkpoint you will need to get a gate pass or authorization at the air carrier check-in counter.
If you are provided with a gate pass to accompany someone into the passenger waiting area, you are required to undergo screening in the same way as if you were a passenger.
Please contact your air carrier in advance for further details.
Does Canada have a “No Fly List”?
Canada has a program known as Passenger Protect. The security measures associated with this program will prevent persons who pose an immediate threat to aviation security from boarding a commercial aircraft.
For more information on Passenger Protect, please visit Transport Canada’s website.
For more information on the US TSA ‘Secure Flight’ program, please visit the TSA website.
I was selected for additional screening at a pre-board screening checkpoint. Does that mean I am on a government watch list?
Just because you were selected for additional screening does not mean you are on a government watch list. Additional screening may be required for a number of reasons, including resolving alarms from the metal detectors.
Individuals selected for additional screening may request that the screening take place in a private search room or outside of public view. Please advise the Screening Officer if you have any special personal needs of which they should be aware, including medical conditions and religious concerns.
Are Screening Officers authorized to conduct a physical search of my body?
Screening Officers are required to randomly select persons for enhanced screening measures which involve physical searches of the body.
It is important to emphasize that Screening Officers select passengers from a screening line regardless of whether or not they set off alarms from the walk-through or hand-held metal detectors.
Am I entitled to a private physical search?
Passengers always have the option of requesting a private physical search out of public view. When conducting a physical search in a private search room, the Screening Officer carrying out the search must always be of the same sex of the person being searched. As well, another Screening Officer must always witness the search. Whenever possible, the witness should be of the same sex as the person being searched.
If a private screening is requested, you may ask to bring all your personal belongings with you so you can see them at all times.
Are gloves a standard part of a Screening Officer’s uniform?
Gloves are not mandatory with CATSA’s uniform requirements. They are mandatory for certain procedures, but optional during physical screening of passengers and their belongings. Passengers may request that gloves be worn, and Screening Officers will comply.
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