Faster airport security? New automated checkpoints may have you sailing through

Over the next several years, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)will convert all security checkpoints to the'CATSA Plus' system that involves fewer visible officers and more computers to expedite travellers through pre-boarding security, without compromising on safety.

Passengers mightsave the most time at the conveyor belts whileguiding their carry-on luggage towardthe X-ray.

"With the old system, only one person at atime was able to take a bin and put his or her belongings in it," CATSAspokespersonMatieuLarocquesaid at a media tour at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

"With this new system up to four passengers can do that at the same time," he said.And,Larocque added, passengers with less in their bag or those with more travel experience can jump ahead of those who are slower."If you require a little more time you can take your time and passengers who are faster can bypass you," Larocque said.

All the rollers are motorized

Topickup the pace even more, the conveyor belts have automatic rollers that take the bins with your carry-on luggage down the line.

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The bins are smart, too. Each onehas a serial number on the side and if its contents areflagged, the rollerswill divert it to a separate lane for examination by a CATSA officer.

Screening officers lookat X-rays in a separate room

"It allows them to be more focused, away from distractions and they are able to process more bins per hour," saidLarocque. From their desks in the 'remote screening room' they can divert bags that need to be checked down the line where CATSA officers will call up a screen shot from the X-ray.

Sensors track you walking through the checkpoint

CATSA is developing a system that will measure people traffic and wait times through the checkpoint. Sensors in the ceiling would anonymously track your movement.

Wait times would be updated on screens at the airport and onCATSA's'Breeze through security'mobile app.

New checkpoints will phase out the current system across Canada

The security checkpoint for U.S. departures at Pearson's Terminal 1 is the latest to be converted to the 'CATSA Plus' system.The new laneshave already been operating at Calgary International Airport and Montreal's Trudeau International Airport and more are scheduled to roll out across Canada over the nextseveral years.

Larocque explained it will be an 'incremental roll-out,' the timing of whichwill rely onfederal funding.