Security Screening Wait Times

CATSA encourages all passengers to arrive at their departing airport well in advance of their flight. Many airlines advise passengers to arrive two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for US and international flights.

Be prepared for screening - LAGS

Be prepared for screening. Please ensure that all liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on baggage are in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, 1L resealable bag. Click here for more information about carry-on baggage requirements.

Permanent closure of CATSA’s mobile app

Please be advised that CATSA’s mobile app was permanently closed on March 29, 2023, following a value assessment review.

Working As a Screening Officer for One of CATSA’s Partners

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) fosters a culture of accountability, excellence and trust through its people, its partners and its governance. CATSA values its partnership with contracted security firms, who employ screening officers. Together, we ensure critical elements of the air transportation system are secure - from passenger screening to baggage screening.

All screening officers in Canada are security cleared and rigorously trained on a program built on the principle of continuous improvement. The classroom, on the job and computer and web-based training never stops and evaluations – both written and practical – are conducted frequently. Screening officers at Canada’s airports must be CATSA certified.

The role of screening officer is an important part of ensuring the security of air travellers, airline staff, airport employees and others who work in and travel through our country’s airports. Screening officers are also vital to Canada’s overall security measures, working as part of a team that keeps our country, our citizens and our skies safe.

If you are interested in a position in the security industry and are professional, reliable and enjoy working with the public in a dynamic and changing environment, please consult the websites of our partners below.

The following is a list of contracted security firms that operate at airports across Canada:

Region

Security Firm

Central Region (airports in Ontario)

GardaWorld Aviation Services

Eastern Region (airports in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut)

Securitas Transport Aviation Security Ltd.

Pacific Region (airports in British Columbia, Yukon)

Allied Universal

Prairies Region (airports in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories)

GardaWorld Aviation Services