Emergency security measures on U.S.-bound flights mean advisors traveling south of the border may need to reconsider what items they bring with them, and may need to leave more time for airport security processes.

A failed terrorist attack on board an aircraft from Amsterdam to Detroit on Dec. 25 has prompted the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to implement stringent new measures at airport security checkpoints.

Until further notice from Transport Canada, passengers traveling to the United States are not permitted to bring carry-on bags into the cabin of the aircraft. Passengers may carry with them laptop computers, medication, small purses, and a limited number of other items, but most carry-on baggage — including briefcases — is prohibited, and must be checked.

This presents a problem for many business travelers who often avoid checking any baggage at all, since checking bags is more time consuming, and presents a greater risk of items getting lost.

“It makes a lot more sense for them to be able to carry things on,” says Tanya Racz, president of the National Business Travel Association Canada. “We have heard from some of our members that it’s causing great inconvenience to them to only be able to have limited carry-on [luggage].”

For financial advisors, checking baggage could be problematic when it comes to traveling with confidential documents or client information.

Terry Ritchie, a certified financial planner and partner with Transition Financial Advisors Group Inc., frequently travels back and forth between Calgary and Phoenix, where the firm’s offices are located. He says he occasionally travels with client documents, and even though the firm keeps electronic copies of all files, he is extremely careful not to lose such sensitive documents. As a result, he is concerned about the new restrictions.

“I want to make sure those documents are above my head the whole time, or underneath my seat,” Ritchie says. “If I couldn’t carry that on and had to check it, then there’s obviously a greater likelihood that those documents could be lost.”

Laptop computers are one of the items travelers are permitted to bring into the cabin under the new restrictions, which provides a potential option for advisors needing to travel with work-related information. But advisors must ensure the size of their laptop — and laptop bag — complies with airline restrictions. Racz says one NBTA Canada member was forced to check a laptop after airport security personnel found it too large. With confidential files on the computer, the traveler was uncomfortable checking it.

“There’s sensitive information that these travelers are taking with them,” Racz says.

While NBTA Canada supports security measures that foster safety for travelers, Racz says she is frustrated by such inconsistencies in the new restrictions.

“I’m all for increased security, and our travelers and our members are all for increased security, but it seems like it’s almost a case by case basis,” she says.

Racz urges business travelers to minimize the items they travel with, and to consider leaving laptop computers behind if they’re concerned about sensitive information.

“The only solution that we have is to really minimize what we’re taking,” she says.

Advisors traveling to the U.S. may also need to begin leaving more time to get through security. New long-term TSA security measures involve enhanced screening for U.S.-bound travelers, which CATSA warns could result in delays.

“Air travelers (traveling to the U.S.) are encouraged to arrive at the security checkpoint well in advance of their flights,” CATSA says. The authority urges travelers to check with their air carriers to confirm the most appropriate time to arrive at the airport.

IE