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Make Screening a Breeze this Winter

November 11, 2014 By Lena

My family is no stranger to airports. In fact, I think of myself as somewhat of an expert on the subject of family travel. Yes, we’ve survived plane delays. Yes, I’ve prepared for mid-flight meltdowns. No, I haven’t figured out how to ditch the kids for a glass of champagne in business class *still working on it*.

Are you travelling over the next few months?

The weather outside may be frightful, but travelling this winter can be delightful! Whether you’re packing for a winter wonderland with the kids or escaping the cold, these tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will make airport security a breeze.

catsaBefore the Airport

Snowy weather can make getting to the airport a challenge, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to check in and go through screening. Wait times for major airports are listed on CATSA’s website or CATSA’s app for your convenience.

Remember to put all liquids, aerosols and gels over 100 millilitres in your checked baggage ― only amounts less than 100 ml in a 1-litre clear, re-sealable plastic bag are allowed on-board.

Dress for Success

Though you’ll likely be bundled up for winter weather, remember to put your coat in a bin at the screening checkpoint. Same goes for boots and belts with large buckles.

Bringing the Kids?

Keep them happy by packing their favourite snacks – solid foods like fruit and chocolate are allowed in your carry-on bag. If you are travelling with an infant younger than two years of age (0-24 months), you can bring baby food, milk, formula, water, juice and other baby items in your carry-on bag.

And, look for the Family/Special Needs lane. There is extra space to accommodate larger items like strollers and car seats, and screening officers who offer additional assistance. 

Travelling with Gifts?

Screening officers hate unwrapping other people’s presents. Gifts packed in your checked bag or carry-on should be wrapped when you arrive at your destination. Better yet – some airports have gift-wrapping services located past security during the holiday season.

For more tips to help you breeze through security this winter, visit CATSA at catsa.gc.ca,  on Twitter (@catsa_gc) or Pinterest (CATSAGC).

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, CATSA, family travel tips

Previous Post: « This Year, Dare2Give
Next Post: The Easy Gift Giving Solution »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne Taylor

    November 11, 2014 at 11:58 am

    Great tips! Especially about not wrapping the gifts which I have been guilty of!!

  2. Athena

    November 11, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    Definitely a relevant post. Perfect for anytime you’re travelling.

  3. loucheryl

    November 11, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    My MIL is coming to visit us at Christmas this year. She will be flying. I’m going to send your blog post to her. :)

  4. Linda Klages

    November 11, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    remember to measure your carry-on with the new rules

  5. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    November 12, 2014 at 6:49 am

    leaving gifts unwrapped wouldn’t have been something I actually would have thought of.

  6. JaimeeM

    November 12, 2014 at 10:12 am

    LOVe the tips about the gifts. I would of probably wrapped them and packed them haha

  7. Flora M

    November 12, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    Although I don’t travel, these are fantastic tips for those that do ;)

  8. BobbiJo Pentney

    November 15, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    Definitely and watch what you carry on your keychain. My husband had given me a survival keychain that had a pair of scissors. I had to give them over at security.

  9. Jennpup (@jennpup)

    November 16, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Helpful tips, thanks! :-)

  10. A.s. Vermeulen

    November 17, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    Great traveling tips! I will definitely keep some of these things in mind!

  11. Stephanie LaPlante

    November 23, 2014 at 8:22 am

    Great tips! I could really use a vacation!

  12. Victoria Ess

    November 30, 2014 at 3:12 am

    These tips should be part of a widely broadcasted PSA! One of my pet peeves is people not planning ahead and holding up the lines!

  13. Emilia

    January 5, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I am always looking for tips. Thanks for the heads up on the CATSA app

  14. BobbiJO Pentney

    April 6, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    It is always good to be reminded of things we may forget before a trip.

  15. kathy downey

    July 24, 2016 at 9:31 am

    I wish i had known all these tips before i beautifully wrapped 5 gifts and they opened everyone…..i should have known better,i will next time!

  16. kathy downey

    January 31, 2017 at 9:48 am

    Thanks these tips will come in handy next month when we go on vacation !

  17. Debbie White Beattie

    March 7, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    I miss the old days when you didn’t have to worry about all this stuff but thanks for the tips.

  18. kathy downey

    June 30, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    We were on vacation for the month of May and following your tips ,it was a breeze at the Airports

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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