Rather than endure the stress and tedium of the process, you can make your way through airport security much more quickly if you have the right travel credit card, the right membership, and/or follow a few other tips.
This article lays out options to help you breeze through airport security and highlights the top credit cards that can make your experience even easier and more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re travelling with children or a member of the military, police, air crew, or RCMP, you can access priority airport security lanes.
- You can also purchase a membership, like NEXUS, that makes it easier to cross borders.
- Some premium credit cards provide priority airport security access as a major travel perk.
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5 ways to get through airport security faster
Our 5 tips to help you get through airport security faster include:
- Getting a NEXUS card
- Becoming a verified traveller
- Travelling with kids
- Understanding the rules
- Using the right credit card
1. Get a NEXUS card
One of the benefits of having a NEXUS card is getting access to a priority screening line at many airports across Canada. And with a few exceptions, most Canadians can get one.
Being a Verified Traveller allows you to do things like leave electronics and liquids in your bag and keep your belt on – in some airports. This benefit also extends to plenty of airports in the United States, as being a NEXUS member also means you're a TSA PreCheck member.
With that said, it can take a long time to get a NEXUS card. Currently, the United States Department of Homeland Security, which issues NEXUS memberships, gives a 12 – 24 month timeline for processing an application. Plus, applicants are required to complete interviews with both Canadian and U.S. customs officials, and these interviews are conducted at specific locations that you may have to travel to.
2. Be a verified traveller of some kind
There are other ways for Canadians to access the special Verified Traveller line.
If you're an active military member, you can access the line just by showing your military ID.
For members of the RCMP and other police forces, if you have your badge and photo ID from your organization, you'll be able to use the priority line.
If you're a Canadian air crew member in uniform or an airport worker, show your Restricted Area Identification Card to access the line.
3. Travel with kids
Some airports offer dedicated security lanes for those travelling with children. These are lines specifically for those travelling with children, although the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) doesn't give a maximum age limit.
And most of the time, these lines are much shorter than the regular security lines, helping you and your kids get through faster.
CATSA doesn't have a list of airports with these lines, so you'll have to check an airport's website to see if they offer this service. For example, Toronto's Pearson Airport mentions a family/special-needs security line.
If you're travelling with kids, CATSA has tips and special rules for those travelling with kids under 2.
4. Know the rules when it comes to security screening
Before you even get to the airport, familiarize yourself with the rules regarding what you can and can't bring, as well as what can and can't be stored in your carry-on. This will make the airport screening process much quicker.
Here are a few things to do:
- Have your boarding pass ready
- Take computers and large electronics out of your carry-on and put them in a bin
- Empty any water bottles and, if they're too thick to be scanned, open them before setting them in the bin
- Take off belts and watches
- Place liquids that are less than 100 mL in a clear plastic bag and put it in a bin
CATSA has a few pages (see here and here) you can take a look at before you go.
5. Use a credit card with security perks
At some airports, the right credit card can be a huge help, making the security screening process flow much more quickly. It's important to note, though, that credit cards with airport security access tend to be premium cards with significant annual fees.
To get through security faster with your card, you'll typically head to a dedicated security lane and present your card or a unique QR code. This should allow you to bypass the general security line.
Top credit cards to help you breeze through airport security
The best cards to easily get you through airport security include Platinum and Reserve Amex cards, Visa Infinite Privilege cards, and Porter Airlines cards.
1. American Express Platinum and Reserve cards
If you're passing through Toronto Pearson Airport and have an eligible American Express credit card, you're in luck. Just open the Amex app and scan your one-time-use QR code. Head to the Pearson Priority Security Lane in Terminals 1 or 3 and scan your code.
Be aware, though, that each person travelling with you needs their own unique code, and that this perk is only available at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Here are a few more benefits you can get at Pearson Airport on top of the priority security screening:
Here are the credit cards you can use to access these benefits:
2. Visa Infinite Privilege cards
Don't overlook your Visa credit card as a way to get through security quicker. If you have a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card, you can access dedicated security lanes at the Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal airports.
Just show your card, and you'll skip right through security. You may even be eligible for valet or regular airport parking discounts, depending on the specific airport.
Here's a list of Visa Infinite Privilege cards:
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3. Porter Airlines credit cards
There are a few Mastercard credit card options, too. If you're carrying one of the 2 BMO VIPorter Mastercards and flying Porter, you can access priority security at specific airports just by showing it.
This isn't an extensive list, but these airports provide priority security services for Porter credit cardholders:
- Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ)
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- Ottawa (YOW)
- Montreal (YUL)
- Halifax (YHZ)
- Thunder Bay (YQT)
- Chicago-Midway (MDW)
- New York-Newark (EWR)
- Boston (BOS)
- Washington-Dulles (IAD)
You’ll also get VIPorter Passport status with the basic card and VIPorter Venture status with the World Elite card, which includes priority boarding and check-in, along with perks like free upgrades.
These are the qualifying BMO VIPorter cards:
×1 Award winner GC: $150
1x Award winner 
Top cards to consider
Here are a few of our favourite credit cards to get you through airport security even faster:
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card | $799 | * 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 170,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | $399 | * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | $199 | * 3 points per $1 spent on Porter * 2 point per $1 spent on gas, transit, groceries, restaurants, and hotels * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases |  $150 GeniusCash + Up to 70,000 bonus points, companion pass, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
FAQ
What is priority airport security screening?
Priority security screening simply means you can access a dedicated lane to get through security faster – no waiting in line. There are several ways you can access priority screening, but it's typically not available to the general public without a qualifying membership or reason.
Can you tell me how to get priority security at the airport?
To get priority status at airport security, you should check whether you have any affiliations or memberships that could help. For instance, NEXUS members, military members, or people travelling with children can all access dedicated security lanes at most airports. Your credit card might also give priority security access as a perk.
What is Amex Priority Security?
The American Express Priority Security Lane Access is available only with select Amex credit cards and can be used only at Toronto Pearson Airport. By scanning a QR code in the app, you can avoid a lengthy wait in security and reach your destination a little faster.
What does priority security mean in Air Canada?
Air Canada offers a dedicated priority security lane to its business class travellers, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan Super Elite, Aeroplan 75K, Aeroplan 50K and Aeroplan 35K customers travelling in Economy Class. Just present your boarding pass and membership details.
Does my credit card give me priority service for Toronto airport security?
If you have an eligible American Express credit card, then yes, you'll enjoy priority services at security when visiting Toronto's Pearson Airport. You can simply open the Amex app, access the 1-time QR code, and scan it at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 to get through security faster than ever.
Can you bring food through airport security?
If you're travelling within Canada, you're allowed to bring solid foods like packaged granola, nuts, chips, and candy. Non-packaged but approved food includes fresh fruit, sandwiches, cheese, and meat. You can't bring liquids or foods that have been mashed or pureed.
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