‘Be merry and pack smart!’ – CATSA

As the holiday season is the busiest time of the year at Canada’s airports, CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) offers helpful packing tips that will make air travel more about the destination and less about the common stressors of flying.

Gifts and wrapped packages: Leave gifts and packages unwrapped until you arrive at your destination as their contents may need to be inspected.

Liquids: Pack liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) such as sunscreen, hair gel, hand cream and perfume, in your checked baggage. LAGs are only allowed in carry-on baggage when packed in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less. The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). One plastic bag per person is allowed, and must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed in a bin at security.

Food products: The holidays are a time for delicious treats and baked goods. Food products should be packed in your carry-on baggage, given that certain items may require additional searches. Solid food can be packed in your carry-on baggage, and food items that are liquid or gel based should be carefully packed in checked baggage. These are a few common items that are subject to regular LAGs restrictions:

• Cranberry sauce
• Jams and jellies
• Oils and vinegars
• Maple syrup
• Alcohol

* Remember that, when travelling internationally, some food items are restricted when crossing the border, so check the regulations for your individual destination. When returning to Canada, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency about restricted items.

Duty-free purchases: It is recommended that you place all duty-free purchases in checked baggage. To learn more, consult the duty-free purchases page.

Electronic devices: The following items do not need to be removed from cases or bags in order to be screened:

• Cellphones
• MP3 music players (iPod)
• E-book readers (Kindle)
• Portable DVD players
• Tablets (iPad)

Laptops and gaming consoles (PSP, Nintendo 3DS): These items must be removed from carrying cases and laptop bags and placed in a bin.

Toy weapons: Toy weapons such as water guns, replica swords, or any toy resembling a weapon must be packed in checked baggage.

Sporting equipment: Most sports equipment, including skis, snowboards, are not allowed as carry-on baggage. Place these items in checked baggage.

Dress for success: The way you dress can significantly affect the time it takes to go through screening. By following these tips, you will speed up the screening process and decrease the likelihood of setting off the walk-through metal detector:

• Be ready to remove coats, jackets and blazers and place them in the bins provided.
• Dress comfortably with easy-to-remove outerwear, jackets and belts.
• Limit jewelry to small earrings, watches and wedding bands/engagement rings.
• Wear clothing without snaps, metal buttons or studs.
• Avoid wearing shoes with metal arches, buckles, steel-toes or shanks.
• Avoid wearing belts with metal buckles.
• Remove hidden body piercings before you fly.

Be ready to empty all contents of your shirt and pant pockets and place these items in the bins before passing through the walk-through metal detector.

In order to make your screening experience as smooth as possible, contact your air carrier for the number and size of items permitted as carry-on.

Many airports have posted holiday travel tips on their website. It would be wise to check the airport’s website for other tips they may offer for a smooth travel experience.

For more information go to www.catsa.gc.ca.