CATSA Plus: The Future of Security Screening

If you have been through security screening recently at Calgary International Airport’s new terminal, you may have noticed a significant difference in the appearance of some security lines.

It’s called CATSA Plus. The new concept combines the latest equipment, technology and processes that have been successfully tested by CATSA at various airports over the last few years.

CATSA conducted a trial of this innovative screening concept at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport in August 2016. The results from the trial helped CATSA to make refinements before the deployment of the CATSA Plus checkpoint at Calgary’s new International Terminal in October.

CATSA Plus involves replacing our standard screening lines with higher-performance lines, while also addressing CATSA’s vision for seamless security. The “plus” represents enhanced security effectiveness and a more pleasant experience through the checkpoint for air travellers, as the new lines allow for improved customer service and passenger flow.

Features and benefits of CATSA Plus

CATSA Plus is adaptable to different airport environments and has optional features that may be included depending on checkpoint size, space and passenger volumes. A brief explanation of each of the features and benefits is available below, along with a video of the CATSA Plus concept (read text version).

Boarding pass scanning system with eGates and tracking sensors in the ceiling

The eGates and sensors work together to automate boarding pass validation, line entry, passenger distribution and the collection of wait time information.

Parallel divest stations

These stations allow up to four passengers to place their belongings in the bins at the same time. Passengers who quickly place their items in the bins can bypass others who may need more time or assistance at this stage of screening.

Bin tracking system

A unique identification tag is assigned to each bin and a photo is taken of the bin before it enters the X-ray. Combined with the continuous belt and remote X-ray image review, the system makes it faster and easier for screening officers to identify items requiring a search.

Continuous X-ray belt

This new equipment creates a constant flow of bins through the X-ray machine to reduce slowdowns.

Remote X-ray image review process

X-ray screening officers are located in a remote room in a quiet area away from the distractions of the checkpoint. All of the screening officers’ workstations are connected to a network that assigns X-ray images to the first available screening officer.

Motorized bag diverter with split lanes

This allows the X-ray screening officer to reject a bin and automatically redirect it to a separate search line for additional screening. Bins that are cleared proceed down the clear lane. This process enhances security and improves flow through the line.

Motorized bin return

Motorized rollers automatically return empty bins to the front of the line so screening officers do not have to manually perform this task.

Improved repack areas

More space, along with tables and benches at the end of the lines, makes it easier for passengers to repack their personal belongings without feeling rushed.

With more CATSA Plus screening lines planned for installation at Toronto-Pearson, Montréal and Vancouver during 2017 and 2018, many air travellers in Canada should have a chance to experience CATSA Plus soon.

For more information on CATSA Plus, contact us at 1-888-294-2202, through our Questions, Comments and Complaints form or by sending us a question on Twitter  or Facebook.