Canadians flying to the United States will be able to get through airport security faster using the Nexus card program early next year, the federal government said Thursday.
As part of a broader security agreement between the two countries signed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama on Dec. 7, the card will expedite travel to the U.S. for pre-approved passengers.
The government also plans to end duplicate screening of baggage for connecting flights in the U.S.
The Nexus card, which costs $50 and is valid for five years, will be available at Canada's eight largest airports by February – Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver.
Minister of Transport Stephen Fletcher, along with other Conservative MPs, fanned out across the country to make the announcement at seven airports.
Passengers holding the card will be able to move to dedicated lines, currently offered only at a handful of domestic and international locations.
The government will also install explosive-detection equipment over the next three years to avoid duplicate baggage checks when travellers use connecting flights in the U.S.
The current system results in missed connections and additional costs for airlines and airports, the government said in a media release.
Passengers will be able to book tighter connections and have a better chance of getting their bags on the same connecting flights, it stated.
