Checking in luggage at the Prince George Airport will look a little different between now and October.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will start a 10-week project to upgrade the local airport's baggage screening system on Thursday.
"Essentially we're putting in a new machine and we need to reconfigure the conveyer belts that feed the machines with the bags," said CATSA spokesperson Mathieu Larocque. "That's what's going to take most of the time."
To facilitate the work, a temporary baggage screening station will be set up in the airport's international area. Those travelling with checked luggage will have to bring their bags to that section of the airport after checking in before making their way through security.
Arriving passengers won't be significantly impacted and will claim their bags from Carousel One.
"We are asking the traveling public for their patience during construction," said Prince George Airport Authority president John Gibson. "Come the fall, Prince George will be home to some cutting edge, state-of-the-art, efficient equipment just in time for the 2015 Canada Winter Games."
These upgrades are being made to bring Canadian airports up to speed with the best technology that is more compatible with other countries, said Larocque.
"We obviously started with the major airports like Vancouver and Montreal and Toronto. As these projects are being completed we're completing the mid-size and smaller airports across the country," he said.
The new system will bring screening practices into line with the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA), eliminating the need to re-screen checked baggage arriving from Canada.
