Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

This forum has been developed to discuss aviation related topics.

Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, I WAS Birddog

185/310
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 216
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:13 pm

Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by 185/310 »

Would anybody know where to find any documentation that allows aircrew who is a current holder of a RAIC pass to use the crew/nexus line when they are not operating crew. I don't want people to understand this the wrong way. I am not saying a RAIC pass holder is by-passing security when they are travelling non-rev or for pleasure. Currently in most airports there is a nexus line that allows a nexus card holder to avoid the long line ups in security. I have recently found out from talking to CATSA agents that the same applies to crew members that carry a red pass, and can be used even if travelling non-rev or for pleasure. I have also talked to TSA agents in the US and they have also said a pilot can use the crew line up (or first class line up in most US airports) as long as you show your red pass. This is not bypassing security in anyway its just a way to escape the long line ups at times. Would anybody know what other countries other then US and Canada this would apply to, and would anybody know where on the TSA or CATSA site this would be in writing? Is this possibly a courtesy that the CATSA and TSA agents are providing to aircrew?
---------- ADS -----------
 
YYZatcboy
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 81
Joined: Tue Apr 20, 2010 2:12 pm
Location: CYYC

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by YYZatcboy »

I've been doing it in YHZ. The CATSA people here suggested it.
---------- ADS -----------
 
ahramin
Rank Moderator
Rank Moderator
Posts: 6317
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:21 pm
Location: Vancouver

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by ahramin »

You are looking for Security Notice 141.

The short version is that when on duty either operating or deadheading you bypass whether or not you are in uniform.

Commuting while not on duty a RAIC gets you nothing by itself. If you have a RAIC and are in uniform then you are exempted from the Liquids And Gels restrictions and should be given priority through a nexus lane, crew lane, or brought to the front of the line. You cannot bypass.

I have found that at most airports showing my RAIC will usually get me to the front of the screening line whether or not I am in uniform but if you are in civvies then it's just a courtesy, not a requirement.
---------- ADS -----------
 
ahramin
Rank Moderator
Rank Moderator
Posts: 6317
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:21 pm
Location: Vancouver

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by ahramin »

I'm surprised to see any courtesy being extended in YHZ the security management there has the awful British like combination of complete lack of understanding of what the security is for and an amazing capacity for inventing procedures.



I love Stephen Fry.
---------- ADS -----------
 
FICU
Rank (9)
Rank (9)
Posts: 1291
Joined: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:37 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by FICU »

ahramin wrote:You are looking for Security Notice 141.
Hi,

Where do you find this notice? I searched the oh so user friendly TC website but to no avail.
---------- ADS -----------
 
razorblade
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:31 am
Location: YYZ

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by razorblade »

Nothing on the CATSA website either. As far as I can tell anyway
---------- ADS -----------
 
DHC2eater
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 11:02 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by DHC2eater »

AHRAMIN...YOU ARE INCORRECT.....ONE (NOT ONES FAMILY)MAY JOIN THE NEXUS LINE IN OR OUT OF UNIFORM AT ANY TIME ON ANY TYPE OF FARE OR PASS WITH A VALID RAIC

eater
---------- ADS -----------
 
C-FABH
Rank 8
Rank 8
Posts: 783
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:06 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by C-FABH »

I don't have a document to reference (other than internal bulletin at my company) but CATSA's opened up the "trusted traveller" line to all RAIC-holders, whether aircrew or employed in any other capacity at the airport. So any fellow non-pilots, take note!
---------- ADS -----------
 
BeechjetYKZ
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 136
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:01 pm
Location: YKZ/YYZ

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by BeechjetYKZ »

I understand aircrew (red) passes are good at any Canadian airport but what about GTAA-specific purple passes (RAIC)? It is my understanding these are good at only YYZ as that is where your biometric info is on file. If they don't need to scan your fingerprint/iris I guess this is a moot point. So I can use my GTAA RAIC at any airport in Canada to use the crew-line?
---------- ADS -----------
 
Nothing cleans a dirty plane like 100LL!
C-FABH
Rank 8
Rank 8
Posts: 783
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:06 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by C-FABH »

The trusted traveller line isn't the same as a crew line.

http://www.catsa.ca/Page.aspx?ID=91&pna ... us&lang=en

It's valid only at the "Class 1" airports (YYZ, YOW, YUL, YEG, YHZ, YYC, YEG, YWG)
---------- ADS -----------
 
185/310
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 216
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:13 pm

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by 185/310 »

Thanks for the replies. I have asked TSA agents and they have allowed me to use the aircrew line when travelling on business or personal travel. This was in Houston, has anybody else tried this in any other US airport, or can show a link where this is written on the TSA website?
---------- ADS -----------
 
ahramin
Rank Moderator
Rank Moderator
Posts: 6317
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:21 pm
Location: Vancouver

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by ahramin »

Eater, your caps lock is on. It's to the left of the A key.

I don't have access to the Canadian Aviation Safety Regulations. That would be illegal as TC believes in security by obfuscation. The information that is released to airline pilots in the form of security notices indicates the following:
Commuting crew are not considered to be “acting in the course of their employment” but rather are considered to be “passengers”
Commuting crew with a valid RAIC and aircrew of foreign commercial air carriers with aircrew identification, in uniform, are exempted from the LAG restrictions and will be allowed screening either through a crew lane (if available), a family lane, a NEXUS lane (where available), or taken to the front of the queue.
Notice that TC has chosen to underline and bold the part about being in uniform.

If you have access to the CASR please let us know what it says (as long as you are not going to face legal action for doing so).

FICU, your union should be sending you these security notices as they can change very rapidly, though the current one has been stable for some time. Failing that, contact TC and ask them for it.

These are the rules as set by the people who are in charge of setting the rules: Transport Canada. While it is true that English and French reading comprehension is abysmally low among CATSA personnel at all levels, that doesn't change the rules. Before I had my Nexus card, I was denied entry into the Nexus lane with my RAIC. I didn't argue as I have no information that indicates I have a right to use it in this way.
---------- ADS -----------
 
DHC2eater
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 11:02 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by DHC2eater »

ahramin

AS OF MARCH9,2011 RAIC HOLDERS HAVE ACCESS TO THE TRUSTED TRAVELER CATSA SECURITY LINE WHILE TRAVELING AS A PASSENGER AT SELECTED AIRPORTS. THE DESIGNATED LINE-AN INITIATIVE OF CATSA,IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CBSA AND TC-MAINTAINS THE SAME SECURITY VALUE AS ALL OTHER SCREENING LINES,BUT OFFERS RAIC HOLDERS AND NEXUS MEMBERS A DEDICATED QUEUE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A REDUCED WAIT TIME....

THE REST OF THE BULLITEN IS AVAILABLE FROM CATSA SUPERVISORS....ONE MAY HAVE ISSUES WITH THE ODD SECURITY OFFICER IGNORANT OF THE NOTICE....

ITS VIRTUALLY VIEWED AS A NEXUS PASS IF YOU WILL AND DOES NOT REQUIRE A 'UNIFORM".

THIS ITEM MAY NOT HAVE MADE IT INTO THE CARS YET...IT TAKES TIME.

EATER.....
---------- ADS -----------
 
BEFAN5
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:18 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by BEFAN5 »

I emailed CATSA a month ago regarding this and the answer was "yes, you can go through the trusted traveler line." I have since long deleted the email to make room for groupons and porn.

The CATSA email reply stated that this policy was enacted in April of this year. So CARS probably do not reflect that yet.
---------- ADS -----------
 
razorblade
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:31 am
Location: YYZ

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by razorblade »

Just emailed CATSA. Lets see what they say, and if they can provide a link to an actual document that one can use!
---------- ADS -----------
 
User avatar
Beefitarian
Top Poster
Top Poster
Posts: 6610
Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:53 am
Location: A couple of meters away from others.

Post by Beefitarian »

So the nexus card is not popular with flight crews then?
---------- ADS -----------
 
FICU
Rank (9)
Rank (9)
Posts: 1291
Joined: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:37 am

Re:

Post by FICU »

Beefitarian wrote:So the nexus card is not popular with flight crews then?
I use it and at 10 bucks a year it's a great deal!

I have also emailed CATSA and TC looking for policy information.
---------- ADS -----------
 
just curious
Rank Moderator
Rank Moderator
Posts: 3592
Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:29 am
Location: The Frozen North
Contact:

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by just curious »

So the nexus card is not popular with flight crews then?
No Beef, spending money isn't popular with flight crews. :oops:
---------- ADS -----------
 
User avatar
Prairie Chicken
Rank 7
Rank 7
Posts: 727
Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:12 pm
Location: Gone sailing...

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by Prairie Chicken »

Damn. I had to surrender my RAIC when I retired.

I guess Nexus is the way to go.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Prairie Chicken
ahramin
Rank Moderator
Rank Moderator
Posts: 6317
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:21 pm
Location: Vancouver

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by ahramin »

I stand corrected. Thank you eater.
---------- ADS -----------
 
DHC2eater
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 122
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2010 11:02 am

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by DHC2eater »

No Problem...It`s hard to keep up with all the changes and memos that come out ....I take particular issue with CATSA....The one that has me going is the removal of shoes going into the USof A in street clothing....buddy ahead of me has dog shit on his shoes or splash over urine from the bathroom,tracks it into the line,puts it into a bin and then I get to walk through that in my socks and put my baggy with tooth brush etc. in to that revolving bin that gets cleaned once a week...no bootys are provided in YYZ.....You see the picture I`m trying to paint...It`s a health and safety issue that we as Canadians accept.

I have a war going with CATSA over this and am taking it to the political level for further....

Take a look under a Urinal some time and you`ll see what goes into your travel bag....Gross me out the door

DHC2eater


PS ...gOt the CapS lOck kinda figured ouT ...tHANKS
---------- ADS -----------
 
Go Guns
Rank 8
Rank 8
Posts: 967
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:22 pm
Location: on my way

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by Go Guns »

FWIW, I have recently used my RAIC to get into the "Trusted Traveler" Line set aside for Nexus card holders. It's worked for me in Calgary, Toronto (T3), and Winnipeg while I was on leisure travel. It's not a bypass, nor is it meant for crew going to work (not talking about commuting). Screening is exactly the same. The only time it was really beneficial was in Winnipeg where we bypassed a bunch of people.
---------- ADS -----------
 
razorblade
Rank 4
Rank 4
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:31 am
Location: YYZ

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by razorblade »

Got a reply from CATSA :
On behalf of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), we thank you for your e-mail dated July 28th, 2011, in which you enquired about valid RAIC cardholders using the NEXUS trusted travellers line when off duty.

CATSA plays an integral role in the Government of Canada’s air security initiative. Our mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system, including the screening of passengers and their belongings from Canadian airports. Our mandate is to deliver a consistent, effective and highly professional service that is set at or above the standards established by federal regulations.

It is permitted that a pilot holding a valid RAIC use the NEXUS Trusted travellers line when travelling off duty.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require additional information.
---------- ADS -----------
 
YYCcrew
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 119
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:55 pm
Location: Calgary

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by YYCcrew »

Can somone share the web link on where you find these Security Notices?? I can't find it anywhere!
---------- ADS -----------
 
User avatar
Nark
Rank 10
Rank 10
Posts: 2967
Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2004 6:59 pm
Location: LA

Re: Using a RAIC to Expedite Security Lines

Post by Nark »

185/310 wrote:Thanks for the replies. I have asked TSA agents and they have allowed me to use the aircrew line when travelling on business or personal travel. This was in Houston, has anybody else tried this in any other US airport, or can show a link where this is written on the TSA website?
I can't give you a link, but can tell you from numerous personal expirences, that you may use the 'crew/first class' lines while travling out of uniform here in the States.

On a side note, the Known Crew Member lines are great. The TSA varifies your employment status in a database ( same one used for cockpit jumpseat use) and we are able to bypass security.
I'd reccomend to some of the keener folks on here to write your MPs and suggest a similar program with CATSA.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Post Reply

Return to “General Comments”