This article is brought to you by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to help you avoid delays during the summer travel season.
It’s summer, you’ve been planning your big vacation for a while, and all you can think about is getting to the lake/beach/mountain – it’s understandable! But with your mind’s eye fixed on your destination, it’s easy to forget about the journey, particularly security screening at the airport. The good news is that being prepared can help you breeze through the screening checkpoint, leaving you more time to shop, eat or just relax before your flight.
The first step is doing your homework so you know what goes in your carry-on and what goes in your checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some handy tools on its website, including a searchable “What can I bring” list that lets you know where to pack your items and what can and can’t fly. It also has a travel checklist generator and tips for all sorts of challenges – from what to do with large sports equipment and medical supplies to travelling with pets.
According to CATSA, one of the biggest hold-ups at security is having too many liquids, aerosols and gels. Containers over 100 ml and 1-litre bags that are overstuffed with smaller containers (no seal; no deal) will need to be checked. As for that cup of java or water bottle in your hand – if it’s over 100 ml, be prepared to chug.
There are some exceptions, like liquids for kids under two years old and medication. You can check out more here. In all cases, the containers should be taken out of your carry-on bag and ready to present to the screening officer for inspection.
Once you hit the front of the line, it helps to have your boarding pass ready to show to the screening officer. You can also speed things up if you put any loose change, keys and small electronics (smartphones, cameras, tablets) in your carry-on bag so you can just drop it in the bin. If you’re travelling with a laptop or other large electronics (gaming console, DVD player) you’ll need to put them in a separate bin. For more information on what you can put in the bins at the checkpoint, you can find it here.
If you’re still wondering what to do with an item or want more information about security screening, you can always send questions to CATSA on Twitter or Facebook.
Lastly, travel is all about being mobile, so you should definitely download CATSA’s free mobile app. It’s available on Android, iOS and Blackberry, and can help you with all this and more, including wait times for security at most major airports.
Wishing you a great summer of travel!
Great.Thanks for sharing the security tips. I found it very useful. The tips are excellent.
Does Canada have the equivalent of Global Entry like in the U.S? We use that here and it cuts down the time you spend waiting on security lines to get to your gate or clearing customs when you coming from another country.
Thank you so much for providing amazing tips and really you have done a great job so keep it up…!!
Thank you for sharing airport security tips.
very smart, could you please help us with cruises any tips for making the cruise trip more funny,
whoah, this blog is excellent I really like reading your posts.
I loved this post related to airport secuirty
Great tips!
Airport security is the worst but it’s smart to remember that it’s in our power to make the whole experience a little less hellish!
I am very much obliged by sharing this detailed information. I liked the post regarding airport security.
This was a good read, thanks for sharing a valuable post. Thanks for giving the information related to the airport security check.
I am fortunate that I have reached your site. I got the airport tips on how I can overcome with the security check fast.
Great tips. They should apply for almost any destination, although it’s always a good idea to check beforehand what you can and can’t bring with you when entering a foreign country.
Awesome tips! Since I’ve discovered collapsible water bottles, they have been my best travel buddy. Saves me time, money and space!
Good common sense tips! I just avoid liquids if at all possible – for weekend trips, it’s easy enough to put toiletries in airline-approved containers, otherwise that stuff is getting checked!
Smart tips! Airport security is the worst but it’s smart to remember that it’s in our power to make the whole experience a little less hellish!
Great tips – the hardest part I find it when you’re travelling with other folks who don’t travel very often… and my inner self is screaming at them to empty their pockets and shaking my head wondering why they thought that 1 litre of shampoo was really hand luggage 🙁
Tips are good, but much depends on a country you flying to. For example, Israel security control it one of the hardest to pass, if not the most. Egypt or Poland instead are VERY loyal.
Fantastic tips! I didn’t realise the CATSA had their own web tools, shall definitely be utilising these! -Lewis
I feel like airport security is getting worse, not better. Although nothing is as annoying as flying through Germany! They stop you over and over.
Going through airport security is one of the things I dread most about going away. I usually play my psp 2000 to make time go by faster. I’m glad you shared the CATSA app link!
Thanks for the tips, I didn’t know about the app. As a fellow Canadian, this will definitely be useful for us to check!
thanks for the tips!!
Very nice screening tips! Sometimes we’re so giddy to get to our destination that we forget that we actually have to get through the airport security first!