Whether you’re planning a winter wonderland getaway, or escaping the cold with the kids, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has some helpful tips to help get you on your way.
Checked or carry-on – know the difference.
If a sunny destination is on the horizon, sunscreen is a must. But before you pack a bottle or two in your carry-on, remember the liquid, aerosol and gel (LAG) rule for air travel. All LAGs placed in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 millilitres or less and fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag. If a full-size bottle of sunscreen is what you need, pack it in your checked baggage.
Fragile and expensive items are best placed in your carry-on. Things like jewellery and cameras can stay in your bag during screening, but if you’re a photo buff who shoots film, you can ask the screening officer to bypass the x-ray and conduct a hand inspection of your film. If you have a laptop with you, it should be fully charged, removed from its case and placed in a bin without anything on top.
Timing is everything
Airports across the country are busy around this time of the year. Give yourself plenty of time to make it to the airport and to your departure gate. Between traffic, parking, airline check-in and security, leaving ample time can remove stress when facing unexpected delays. It’s recommended that travellers arrive at least two hours in advance of domestic flights and three hours ahead of U.S. and other international flights.
Returning with duty-free purchases?
If you have a connecting flight in Canada on your return trip, know that all purchases must be properly sealed in an official security bag and accompanied by an itemized receipt. Official security bags are used in several - but not all - countries around the world.
Always check to make sure your duty-free bag has the proper security features:
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a checkmark;
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a circular arrow; and
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a red border.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes during spring break or heading south for some vitamin D, proper preparation is key to any successful holiday.
Find more information at catsa.gc.ca.
www.newscanada.com
