Nexus card holders will be able to use their passes to get into faster moving lineups this February at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the federal government announced December 22.
Canada’s eight busiest airports, including YVR, currently operate Nexus lines for some international and domestic flights.
As of February, passengers will also be able to get into those faster moving lineups to go to the U.S.
The Nexus program is for pre-approved, low-risk travellers at designated air, land and marine ports of entry in Canada and the U.S. Nexus expedites border clearance for air travellers by allowing them to enter Canada or the U.S. at self-service kiosks.
Federal representatives such as Stephen Fletcher, who is minister of state for transport, held press conferences across the country to highlight this change and future changes to baggage screening for travellers to the U.S.
A new program will eliminate duplication of baggage screening over the next three years. Passengers flying from Canadian airports with U.S. pre-clearance facilities, such as YVR, will consequently no longer have their bags screened again at the connecting U.S. airport.
“Both of these initiatives will improve efficiencies for Canadian travellers,” said Cam Kenyon, who is executive vice-president of operations at WestJet.
WestJet increased the number of weekly flights to the U.S. out of YVR from seven in August 2006 to 56 in August 2010.
The Calgary-based airline announced December 22 that it would fly 52,397 passengers today. That will make December 23 the busiest day in the airline’s history.
Glen Korstrom
@GlenKorstrom