Save Time at Canadian Airport Security with Express

With the busy spring break travel season just around the corner upon us, travellers should aim to save time at as many steps along the journey as possible.

In the recent past, some major Canadian airports made going through security a bit easier with the introduction of Express. With the service, passengers can pre-book a timeslot to go through security, which could wind up saving time that you’d otherwise have spent waiting in line.

It’s also a nice free alternative to NEXUS, and booking an appointment is fast and easy.

Express: Skip the Security Line by Booking in Advance

If you’re able to plan for your arrival at the airport, the Express program allows you to schedule a time to pass through security screening for departures from four Canadian airports. Unfortunately, the service is no longer available at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR).

Reserving a time in advance lets you bypass the line, and gets you front-of-the-line access to security screening.

While the programs differ slightly between airports, Express is currently available in the following cities:

• Edmonton (YEG)
• Calgary (YYC)
• Montreal (YUL)
• Halifax (YHZ)

In Calgary (YYC), you can use Express for domestic, transborder, and international departures; however, for domestic flights, you must enter through Security D or Security E and give yourself time to reach the A or B gates.

A summary of the locations and hours of operation is as follows:

In Edmonton (YEG), you can use Express for domestic and international departures. Express isn’t currently available on transborder departures.

A summary of the location and hours of operation is as follows:

In Montreal (YUL), you can use Express for domestic, transborder, and international departures. 

A summary of the location and hours of operation is as follows:

In Halifax (YHZ), you can use Express for domestic and international departures. Express isn’t currently available on transborder departures.

A summary of the location and hours of operation is as follows:

How to Reserve a Security Appointment with Express

There’s no cost to use Express, you don’t need to create any accounts, and the entire process is completed in four easy steps.

You can reserve an appointment as far as 72 hours in advance of your flight. You’ll be able to book an appointment to go through security between three hours and 30 minutes and one hour and 15 minutes prior to your flight’s departure. 

For example, if your flight departs at 9am, you can book an Express appointment between 5:30–7:45am.

The process is easy, and only takes a couple of minutes.

You’ll first need to head to the Express website for the airport from which you will depart:

• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Montreal
• Halifax

Next, you’ll simply need to enter in your date of travel, flight information, the number of passengers in your party, and your email address.

Shortly thereafter, you’ll receive an email containing a QR code. This is what you’ll need to show at the airport, so be sure to keep track of the email or take a screenshot so it’s easier to find.

On the day of travel, you have a 15-minute grace period for your pre-booked appointment. For example, if your pre-booked time is at 8am, you can show up between 7:45–8:15am for your appointment.

Unfortunately, if you’re early or late, you aren’t guaranteed a spot.

The Express signs should be easy to spot, and make sure you’re showing up to the correct security checkpoint at your airport of departure. Once your QR code is scanned, you’ll head through a separate security entrance, likely having saved you time in line.

Up to 10 passengers may be booked on the same reservation, which is great for travelling in groups. You can also book your appointment while you’re at the airport, as long as one is available and you’ve arrived far enough in advance.

The Express service isn’t available to connecting passengers, unless they leave the secure area and re-enter. Furthermore, if you have a NEXUS card, you aren’t eligible to use Express, since you already enjoy priority access.

You can cancel or change your booking at any time, by clicking on the appropriate link in your confirmation email.

In some airports, you might be able to combine a transborder Express booking with Mobile Passport Control to speed up your entry into the United States. Of the airports that offer Express, you can also use Mobile Passport Control at Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ), and Montreal (YUL).

Conclusion

By making use of Express, passengers departing from airports in Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, and Halifax can enjoy a streamlined airport experience.

With Express, passengers can book a time slot at security, which results in heading to the front of the security queue for certain flights each airport.

This can be particularly helpful during busy times at the airport, such as March Break or the summer and winter holidays.

The service is free to use, and only takes a couple of seconds to reserve a spot. The time saved could be significant, so be sure to make use of Express if it’s available before your next flight.