Screening upgrades at Edmonton airport expected to shorten security line times

The Edmonton International Airport (YEG). (Brandon Lynch/CTV News Edmonton)

The city’s airport is gearing up for a busy time of year.

And the Edmonton International Airport has recently brought in new equipment to help make getting through security lines faster.

With more than 22,500 passengers expected on days leading up to and following summer long weekends – including July’s Canada Day, August’s Heritage Day and September’s Labour Day – the airport said Monday that new screening technology recently introduced by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is expected to cut down on wait times during the screening process as passengers head to their gates.

CATSA’s new CT X-ray technology allows screening officers to better detect explosives and other items that pose threats, the airport said in a media release. It means passengers won’t need to remove liquids, aerosols, gels, medical devices and large electronics from their carry-on baggage.

“CATSA is ready for the busy summer travel season and remains committed to delivering secure and efficient screening for passengers travelling through YEG (Edmonton airport),” Rod Gore, CATSA’s service delivery manager, said in the release.

The airport says passengers can also save time by arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, by checking the status of their flights in advance, by checking in online and downloading boarding passes beforehand, by reviewing baggage allowances and screening requirements, and by booking parking in advance. It also advises passengers to give themselves more time at the airport before long weekend travel periods.