Winter Travel Tips to Get Through Security

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Did you know “airport security Canada” is a frequently searched term, especially during the holidays? 

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) provided this post to help everyone understand what you need to know if you’re flying over the holiday season.

Airports will soon be buzzing with thousands of travellers getting ready to visit family and friends or simply to escape the cold weather.

Regardless of your destination, you will have to go through security.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has 10 tips to help you and your family breeze through the checkpoint. I love this video from them:

1. Pack liquids, aerosols and gels properly

Only liquids, aerosols and gels that are 100ml or less are permitted in your carry-on.

Place these items in a single 1L clear, resealable plastic bag so the screening officer can easily see the contents.

Any containers over 100ml should be placed in your checked baggage.

2. Know the age restrictions for baby food

Beverages and food (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice, purées) for children under the age of two are exempted from the liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.

These items should be packed so that they can easily be removed from your carry-on baggage for inspection.

3. Bring solid snacks for the family

While you can’t bring yogurt or peanut butter, you can carry solid food items, such as sandwiches, granola bars and fruit through security when travelling within Canada.

You can also bring an empty refillable drink container to refill once you pass through security.

4. Have medications ready for inspection

Prescription and essential non-prescription medications (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solution) are allowed.

You can bring them in quantities greater than 100 ml in your carry-on but must show these items to the screening officer for inspection.

5. Leave gifts unwrapped

If you’re bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped as their contents may need to be inspected.

During the holidays, some airports offer post-security gift wrapping service.

6. Keep small electronics in your carry-on

Bringing your children’s electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport.

Small electronic items, including MP3 players (e.g. iPod) and tablets, can remain in your carry-on bag.

Make sure you and the little ones can easily remove any bulky outwear including winter jackets and boots with large buckles.

These items must be placed in bins provided at the checkpoint for

8. Use the Family/Special Needs lane

Check if the Family/Special Needs lane is available when you arrive at the checkpoint.

It’s designed to accommodate larger items (e.g. strollers, car seats) and is best for passengers needing more time or help at the checkpoint.

9. Have your boarding passes ready

Remember to have all family members’ boarding passes ready to present to the screening officer for verification.

10. Contact CATSA if you have questions

If you need more information about airport security Canada, CATSA can be contacted directly at 1-888-294-2202 or via:
– Website: www.catsa.gc.ca
– Twitter: @catsa_gc
– Pinterest: CATSAGC

Join the Conversation

  1. Traveltoodle says:

    I am planning a trip to Germany in this winter. These tips will be very benficial for me.

  2. Geraldine Garner says:

    The idea of leaving presents unwrapped is a great idea. I have a bad experience with this. Unfortunately I found your post too late. Thank you for sharing so useful tips! Best regards!

  3. Hi Ayngelina,
    I just read your post on and thought you made some really great points. This article actually made me think about adding a couple of small squeezable bottles to the back pack that I have created for traveling. If you have a chance, I’d love it if you’d take a look at ProGo; the backpack / carry on I have invented and designed and is about to go live on Kickstarter. I think it might be of interest to your readers.

    . Thanks!
    Bob
    PS: I was looking for your e mail address to send this as a private message, but was unable to find your contact info.

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thanks Bob, if you look under “About” at the top there is a method to contact us.

  4. Good list!
    Also, this days, make sure all your electronic items are fully charged. They can ask you to turn on your ipad, your phone or your laptop before getting on the plane… oh and no spare battery in your carry on bag.

  5. For The Traveller says:

    Preparing for travel may be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. We should keep these screening tips in mind to help facilitate the screening process on trip to the airport.

  6. I Left Home says:

    Great tips! Always good while travelling – not only for the holidays 😉
    I recently discovered that these days they are encouraging you to have all electronic devices such as laptops fully charged when bringing them on board and to make sure all external batteries are in the luggage you are checking in.
    Have you heard of this before too?

    Cheers!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      It hasn’t happened to me on any recent flights so I’m not sure. I also haven’t heard anyone else report this so it may be a best practice but not enforced.

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