Canadians won't need to take out laptops, liquids from bags during security checks at these airports

Winnipeg International Airport has just become the latest in Canada to be outfitted with new computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners, part of an initiative to update technology and speed up security checks.

The airport announced this week that CT X-ray machines have been installed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in line four at the domestic and international checkpoint.

With their bulbous shape and unearthly blue glow, the scanners look like a cross between a hospital medical scanner and a science-fiction propulsion system.

But the upshot of the new devices is that passengers travelling through screening lines will no longer have to take liquids, aerosols and gels, medical devices or electronics such as laptops out of their carry-on bags. That’s because the scanner can show security agents a 3D, rotatable image of the contents of each bag that passes through it. Previous scanners created a two-dimensional image.

The 3D view is said to enhance security officers’ ability to detect explosives and other threatening items. But for anyone who has ever had to juggle multiple items at an airport security line, and then hastily repack them before moving on, the savings in time and convenience should be obvious.

“This innovation not only improves efficiency at security checkpoints but also reflects our commitment to working with partners like CATSA to bring world-class solutions to YWG,” Winnipeg airport president and CEO Nick Hays said in a news release . “We’re proud to be part of this national initiative that prioritizes both security and convenience for travellers.”

CATSA began installing the machines in Canadian airports 14 months ago, with Vancouver being the first to receive them. Since then, they have also been installed in Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Toronto, Quebec City and Halifax.

CATSA notes on its website that liquids over 100 mL will still have to be removed from carry-on baggage. It adds that signage will be displayed in front of all lines or checkpoints that have CT X-ray technology available.

“If there is no CT sign displayed, passengers will need to remove their permitted liquids, aerosols and gels, along with large electronics from their carry-on baggage to be screened separately,” the agency says.

This month, Edmonton International Airport announced it would be installing its first CT X-ray scanner by the end of the month, with all six lanes of security expected to be switched over by next March.

The devices are part of a worldwide trend in new security measures at airports. The European Union has set an end-of-the-year deadline for mandatory CT scanner implementation, while the U.S. is taking a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk locations first.

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