Airport Security Tips for Stress-Free Travel
- Understanding the Importance of Packing
- Essential Packing Guidelines
- Strategies to Make Airport Security a Breeze
Summer is the busiest air travel time in Canada. Whether you’re packing for a family vacation, visiting relatives, or exploring new corners of the world, an easy and stress-free travel experience starts by preparing for the security checkpoint.
These airport security tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) can help.
Airport Security Tips and Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is bringing liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) exceeding the 100ml limit in their carry-on baggage. This includes sunscreen, tanning lotion, hand cream, alcohol, and maple syrup. Consequently, to go in your carry-on, LAGs must be in containers of 100 mL or less.
CATSA has some advice to help you and your luggage get through security quickly.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit into a 1L clear plastic bag. This includes everything from toiletries to water and homemade jam. Any larger containers, or containers which won’t fit into the plastic bag, need to be put in checked bags.
Exceptions to this policy include baby food, formula, milk, water, and juice if you are traveling with your child who is younger than two years of age. Moreover, medications are also exempt from restrictions. Present these to the screening officer separately.
If you purchased presents to bring with you on your holiday vacation, it’s advisable not to wrap them until you reach your destination. If their contents need to be inspected, your wrapping will have to be undone.
Having a properly packed bag is half the battle; knowing what to expect at the security checkpoint is the other. By being prepared for the process, you can get in, out, and on your way faster than you can say “vacation.”
How to Pack for Airport Security
What is and isn’t allowed
If you’re going to play on land or water, there are a few rules to watch for:
- Baseball bats, golf clubs, and surfboards are only allowed in your checked baggage, but sports racquets can fly in carry-on.
- Going fishing? Poles without hooks are fine in carry-on, but those with hooks and tackle need to be checked.
- Scuba tanks are permitted in checked baggage. Check with your air carrier for other restrictions before reaching the airport.
Planning to bring back souvenirs?
- Gifts should not be wrapped as screening officers may have to open them for inspection.
- Jackknives, decorative or ceremonial knives, and multitools with blades cannot travel in carry-on bags.
- Butterfly knives, switchblades, and other illegal knives (and replicas) are prohibited and cannot go in carry-on or checked bags.
Camping Gear?
- Only one lighter for personal use is allowed in carry-on; however, lighters are not permitted in checked baggage.
- Strike-anywhere matches are NOT permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
- Flammable materials—like white gas or butane for camping stoves—are also NOT permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Tips to Breeze Through Airport Security
Your carry-on bag and personal items, such as a purse, will be x-rayed. You should put your cell phone, loose change, wallet, and watches in a jacket pocket and place them in a bin. Removing your laptop from its case before placing it in a bin is necessary. Other electronics like tablets, cameras, or MP3 players can stay in your bag.
Have your boarding pass ready and ensure you give yourself plenty of time so you are not rushed during the screening process. For more details on what you can pack and how to get through security screening smoothly, visit www.catsa.gc.ca or the mobile site, m.catsa.gc.ca.
Being prepared for security is vital during the busy summer travel season. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your experience seamless:
Pre-Airport Security Checklist
- Check wait times online.
- Arrive early to allow ample time for screening; keeping your boarding pass out helps the line flow quickly.
- Small personal items like keys, coins, cell phones, or tablets should be placed in your carry-on at security to keep everything organized.
- Laptops must be removed from your bag and placed in a bin.
- Bring your reusable water bottle through security empty, then fill it up afterward for a refreshing drink on a hot travel day.
- When traveling with kids under two, use the Family/Special needs line.
- Remember that baby food, breast milk, formula, water, and juice are exempt from the 100 ml limit.
For additional information, visit catsa.gc.ca, and follow CATSA_gc on Twitter or Pinterest.
