New passport rules take effect

Canadians take it in stride
Clutching their shiny blue passports, Canadian air travelers flew quietly into a new era Tuesday as new rules fuelled by the ever-present threat of terrorism kicked in and put an end to decades of passport-free flights to the United States.

The historic day appeared to pass with barely a hitch at Canadian airports, where travelers — primed for the new rules months in advance — proferred their passports without complaint and said they understood the reasons for having to carry one.

"With everything that the world is doing these days, it doesn't really bother me," businessman Terry Queeley said as he waited at Toronto's bustling Pearson International Airport to board a flight to Baltimore.

"We have our own Canadian passport, so why not use it?"

Watched by an observer from the Canada Border Services Agency, Air Canada officials scurried about the airport Tuesday as they helped passengers check in.

There were no incidents — not surprising given that Michael Chertoff, the U.S. secretary of homeland security, has said some 96 percent of Canadians and 94 percent of Americans were already using passports for air travel.

"Most Canadians have been listening to the news and the media, and understand that they require a passport today," said Air Canada spokeswoman Janet Culver.

‘Normal day’
"It's a normal day for us."

In Calgary, U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins said border officials would enforce the law, which he called "important" to Americans.

But he said he expected immigration officers would also be sensible in its application.

"This is the first day and I'm sure authorities will understand that and know that common sense needs to prevail when problems arise," Wilkins said.

"So we'll just deal with them one at a time."

In need of official discretion was Rachel Weinles, whose 13-year-old daughter Lizzie was set to board a flight from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to visit her grandparents.

As she gingerly extracted a mint-condition birth certificate from an oversize envelope for the check-in agent, Weinles said she only realized recently her daughter, a Canadian-American, would need a passport, but couldn't get one in time.

"This is not enough documentation?" a flustered Weinles asked the check-in agent.

"As of today, everyone needs a passport," the agent responded, directing Weinles and her daughter to American immigration officers.

Despite the extra scrutiny, Weinles said she supported the stricter entry requirement.

"Security is worth the hassle," she said.

MORE FROM NEWS

News Section Front

Drop in Thanksgiving travel forecast Engine fire grounds Delta plane in Atlanta Mechanical issue forces jet’s return to JFK Alaska Airlines starts Oakland-Hawaii service Airplane part falls onto N.Y. home’s front lawn U.S. Homeland chief defends $10 travel fee Police sort through belongings of stolen luggage FAA: Runway incursion at LAX was minor With airlines shrinking, your flight could be cut Airlines ratchet up holiday surcharges News Section Front   Add News headlines to your news reader: