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.
These 10 winter travel tips and video from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) are sure to help you and your family breeze through the airport security checkpoint.
1. Pack Liquids, Aerosols and Gels Properly
CATSA permits liquids, aerosols and gels that are 100ml or less 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 must be placed in your checked baggage. (Tip: Double-bag liquids packed in checked bags)
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 (2) are exempted from the liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions. Pack these items so 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
CATSA allows prescription and essential non-prescription medications (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solution). 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
Leave all gifts unwrapped if you’re bringing them with you. CATSA may need inspect their contents. 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.
7. Dress Comfortably
Make sure you and the little ones can easily remove any bulky outwear including winter jackets and boots with large buckles. You must place items in bins provided at the checkpoint for screening.
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, CATSA can be contacted directly at 1-888-294-2202 or on Twitter @catsa_gc or on Pinterest.
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Credits: Photo + Video courtesy of CATSA. Pinterest image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Disclosure: The Travelling Mom thanks CATSA for its sponsorship of this post.
Are you travelling during the holiday season? Share your security survival tips and tricks below.
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