| BY RON MANZ B
eing the subject of a physical search is an action most people relate to breaking the law.
Unfortunately it is also now becoming increasingly the norm at airports around the world as protocol for all passengers with destinations to the United States.
The actions of 23-year old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on December 25th, 2009 and his alledged attempt to ignite an explosive device aboard a Detroit bound Northwest Airlines fl ight still over Canadian air space put the wheels in motion for heightened security measures offi cials believe may be the new screening standard for all U.S. bound aircraft. All Canadian airports, including Kelowna International have reacted quickly and effi ciently to respond to what has been a rapidly changing situation.
“Initially, an immediate ban on all carry-on baggage was enacted and a secondary level of screening was ordered for all fl ights heading into the U.S.,” explains Kelowna International Airport Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness Manager Neil Drachenberg. “Every airport world-wide with US trans-border fl ights had to change procedures in order to deal with these new requirements.”
“Since that initial fl urry of activity, the new procedures have been adapted into a smooth transition with minimal fl ight delays for the traveller,” added Drachenberg. “The goal has been to fi nd the right mix in modifying security procedures, dealing with infrastructure constraints and following regulations, while still meeting high customer expectations and satisfaction. We continue to refi ne these as the demands keep changing.” Kelowna International Airport can be credited with its quick response in establishing a holding room designated solely for U.S. destination passengers.
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In addition, a separate screening line has been created with a secondary screening option incorporated just for U.S. fl ights.
“Having to implement a new U.S. Hold Room quickly posed some challenges for us, especially when customer service is always of top importance to YLW,” noted Drachenberg. “We want to ensure U.S. bound passengers have access to the basic food and retail options they have become accustomed to, so we have implemented our new Skyway plan.” US bound passengers currently have access to basic concession services but the plan is to implement more services while meeting the regulations set by Transport Canada and working within the airport’s own infrastructure constraints.
A long-term permanent solution will be developed as the airport implements infrastructure improvements as part of its “Drive to 1.6 million Passengers “plan.
“We are operating on the premise that this is the new security standard now, so we must adjust accordingly, while still maintaining high customer service levels.” added Drachenberg. “We are also one of the Canadian airports now utilizing the millimetre wave body scanner that was trialed at this airport in 2008/09. This new screening equipment will provide body imaging to detect threats, thus minimizing the need for pat down searches.”
The rules have changed since Christmas, and U.S. passengers can now have one carry-on piece of luggage, as well as a personal item such as a purse or a lap-top computer, though a computer carrying case can hold nothing but computer related paraphernalia. Passengers are still advised to pack as much as they can in checked luggage and to arrive a minimum 90 minutes prior to departure time for check-in. For more information as to what can be taken as carry-on, visit the airport’s website at
ylw.kelowna.ca and click on the CATSA link.
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