Category: Travel Guide

The full form of CATSA is the Canadian air transport security authority. It is a federal crown corporation that has the mandate to protect the public, public places, and vital air infrastructure by effectively and efficiently screening air travelers, for instance, travelers flying via Canada to India flights and their baggage at designated airports in Canada.

CATSA is responsible for many things related to security at the airports such as screening passengers and baggage before they board flights, for instance Canada to India flights, which is also known as pre-board screening, screening passengers checked baggage( hold baggage screening), and also the random screening of workers and non-passengers entering the restricted areas of the airport that are non-accessible to the general public. CATSA maintains and administers the Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC). Additionally, CATSA is responsible for deploying the relevant staff to the restricted area.

Following are the summaries of the services and responsibilities of CATSA

Pre-board screening

Every year, Canadian airports inspect over 55 million passengers and their belongings before they board planes. CATSA deploys approximately 5600 screening officers to supervise these screening activities. CATSA is responsible for ensuring that no items from Transport Canada’s list of prohibited items are allowed on aircraft. Screening officers pay particular attention to dangerous or potentially dangerous items such as knives, firearms, and explosives, as they extensively search for these items.

The pre-board screening process of CATSA is completely compatible with that of its international partners in aviation security and accordingly, CATSA updates its security technology, workforce training, and operational procedures.

Hold Baggage screening

Passengers check 62 million pieces of luggage each year and use explosive detection types of equipment to detect and screen them. All the responsibility for efficiently screening such a large quantum of baggage lies with the CATSA.

Non-passenger screening

The airport workers are counted as non-passengers and they have access to restricted areas of Canadian airports. These non-passenger people include flight and cabin crews, airline customer service personnel, baggage handlers, vendors, and other airport staff. At Canada’s 28 major airports, CATSA randomly screens about 815,000 non-passengers annually as per Transport Canada regulations.

Restricted area identity card

The CATSA has developed and maintains a restricted area identity card program. It is the first dual biometric airport identification program for non-passengers. The fingerprints and iris information of the non-passengers are stored in a computer chip that is fitted on each identity card. The cardholder has to carry the card while he/she is moving around the airport. The RAIC program has been in operation at Canada’s 28 major airports since 2007 and includes cards, fingerprints, and iris readers at airport terminals. A network also exists that link all the airports to a secure central database.

CATSA works in close quarters with Transport Canada, aviation industry partners, and screening contractors. The final aim is to provide professional, effective, and consistent security service at the standards set by Transport Canada.

The minister of transport, infrastructure, and communities has mandated CATSA to be accountable to parliament through him. The Board of directors governs the CATSA. CATSA’s president and CEO and senior management team direct the front-line operations.

CATSA operates using a third-party business model.  Their contracts the screening contractors to employ the screening workforce and deliver screening services. At the designated airports in Canada, the following companies are responsible for delivering screening services

• Garda security screening company: Prairies region(Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and northwest territories).

• G4S secure solutions private limited: Pacific region ( British Columbia, Yukon).

• Garda security screening inc: Central region(Ontario).

• Securitas Transport aviation security limited: East region(New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador).

So this was all the CATSA agency. We sincerely hope, Flyopedia has thrown sufficient light on CATSA and its working.

Airplane travel has been associated with the fun and frolic of many hues. It is an exciting and memorable part of one’s life to travel via air to different parts of the world. Airplane travel and its ways have evolved over the years. Once, people considered airplane travel a luxury available only to a select few, but nowadays, it has become as common as other means of travel. Airlines have reduced the size of airplanes to accommodate more passengers, and airports have been inundated with ever-increasing crowds. So much so that airports are now feeling the pressure of the bulge of this populace.

You must be aware of the condition of India’s airports particularly Delhi and Mumbai that they are experiencing congestion due to a higher volume of passengers. This has given birth to pictures of long queues and long delays for travelers during the check-in process.

Due to the congestion at the airports, even the ministry of civil aviation has taken steps to address the issue. To improve and fasten the flow of passengers at the airport, it has asked the airlines to increase the staff at check-in counters. Airports in India are indeed busy with crowded terminal buildings and travelers facing long lines can be seen every now and then. It has become an everyday phenomenon.

If you have already planned a trip by booking your Canada to India flights and want to save yourself from this menace of congestion then here are a few tips that you should keep in mind and follow diligently

Arriving at the airport early

This is a no-brainer. If you wish to avoid congestion then you should be through the check-in counter before the peak hour. Arriving early will certainly reduce your stress and save you from the hassle of congestion. You will surely reduce the risk of encountering delays and disruptions by giving yourself extra time to check in, go through security, and locate your gate. This way will make sure that you are well-prepared for your flight.

Using web check-in

All the airlines nowadays offer web check-in for the comfort of travelers. A web check-in is a way of checking in advance even prior to your entry at the airport from your phone or laptop. Web check in has become a norm now. It saves you from long queues and lines at the airport. It is often the first step to save a great amount of time even before you step into the airport.

Using DigiYatra app

In order to improve the passenger experience at airports, the ministry of civil aviation has launched a digital initiative called DigiYatra. It is an app-based service. It is a mobile application that allows passengers to digitally check in, obtain a boarding pass, and access other airport services using mobile devices.

The app streamlines the check-in process and reduce congestion at airports as it allows passengers to complete these tasks remotely, rather than having to stand in line at the counter.

There are certain features that the app includes such as real-time flight updates and the ability to store and retrieve digital copies of travel documents.

Using the airport’s mobile app

There are some airports that have dedicated mobile apps to let the passenger know real-time information about flight schedules, gate locations, and other handy information. You can easily navigate through the airport using the airport’s app.

Using a luggage delivery service

There are luggage delivery companies that pick up the luggage from your home and then deliver it to your destination. You don’t need to carry it with yourself and save yourself from the hassle. This way you will also get tickets at a cheaper rate because you are choosing hand baggage-only tickets. You will also save a great deal of time at the airport security.

Following luggage size and weight recommendations

If you follow diligently the proper size and recommendations of the luggage then you will have lesser issues at security. You need to keep in mind the airlines’ guidelines for calculating the exact weight allowed on the flight. Additionally, we recommend traveling with only one piece of carry-on baggage.

Book flights during off hours

The airports are typically less busy during the mornings and late at night. If you are comfortable with the timings then you can really save the hassle of congestion and also the great bucks as during these hours flights will be cheap. You need to plan ahead if in case you are ready to fly at night or early in the morning.

Using specific gates

It is your duty to make sure you are at the correct terminal and gate for your flight to avoid delays and confusion. One trick to avoid congestion at the airport is to use specific gates that are not as crowded. Usually, the gates near the drop off zone are more crowded as compared to farther gates. You should walk a bit to the farther gates and you will be surprised to see the lesser amount of people there. This is quite handy a trick that will also save you precious time. Checkout Flyopedia.com for best deals on international flights.

Keeping documents handy

Travelers should keep documents such as boarding passes, passports, and identity cards in a way that ensures easy accessibility on demand to facilitate a smooth check-in process at the airport. It becomes quite a hassle to search for your documents here and there during the check-in process at the counter.

Follow the announcements and guidelines at the airport

It is a thing of imminent importance to follow guidelines and listen to any announcements at the airport. Diligently heeding to the instructions will result in less congestion and crowding of airport spaces for the common good of all. This will ensure a smooth efficient experience for everyone. Heeding to instructions includes arriving at the airport on time, following the security and check-in procedures and adhering to any other rules and regulations put in place.

Conclusion

Congestions and crowds at the airport leave the passengers frustrated and angry. But with these above helpful tips, you can glide through the security and counter without wasting much time and can avoid congestion to a great extent.