Convenient air travel for Canadian passengers to US from February

Canada’s federal government recently indicated that air travel for Canadian passengers will become more convenient and faster from February 2012 onwards.

Steven Fletcher, Canada’s Minister of State for Transport, has assured the citizens that it will be easier for travelers to fly to the United States by spring break.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and Transport Canada, in cooperation with Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are initiating effective steps to facilitate easier travel for Canadian citizens and make border crossings to the U.S. much convenient.

The federal government announcement has made Canadian citizens quite happy and will allow them to have more access to use NEXUS cards, which are accepted as identity proof for frequent travelers at Canadian and U.S. border crossings.

Pre-approved, low-risk travelers from both Canada and U.S. can avail the NEXUS program, which grants unhindered access at designated air, land and marine ports of entry. The NEXUS program expedites border clearance by allowing members to gain entry at self-service kiosks into Canada or the U.S. when traveling by air.

The NEXUS program cost $50 for five years and can be availed at Canada’s eight largest airports in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton.

Duncan Dee, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Air Canada, said that these measures are praiseworthy and aimed to advance the twin goals of improving security, while simultaneously streamlining border clearance processes as well.