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airport security

Travelling this Winter? Make Screening a Breeze!

November 17, 2015 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 (working on it).

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.

755c69b81df0d5b1fd9c8b280d6242981. Pack liquids, aerosols and gels properly: Only liquids, aerosols and gels that are 100ml or less are permitted 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 should be placed in your checked baggage.

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 are exempted from the liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions. These items should be packed so that they can easily be removed 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 a refillable drink container to refill once you pass through security.

4. Have medications ready for inspection: Prescription and essential non-prescription medications (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solution) are allowed. 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: If you’re bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped as their contents may need to be inspected. During the holidays, some airports offer post-security gift wrapping service. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: airport security, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), winter travel

Planning the Perfect Trip: Summer Travel Tips

June 19, 2014 By Lena

Are you gearing up for a family trip? Flying with family is no simple task. Getting everyone packed, organized and ready to go through security with little fuss can present quite a challenge! Thankfully, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has a few pointers to help make your summer travel experience run smoothly.

Know How to Carry-on: Children get hungry for snacks. You know this and you want to be prepared. Solid foods such as apples, granola bars or sandwiches can be packed in your carry-on for the plane ride, and any liquid food – such as yogurt, pudding or peanut butter – must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, closed, resealable one-litre plastic bag.

catsa_family_1However, if you’re traveling with a baby (under the age of two), items such as baby food, breast milk, formula, water and juice are exempt from the 100 ml limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. Still, you must present these items to the screening officer for inspection.

Other personal items to keep the kids entertained, like iPods, tablets and toys, can go in your child’s carry-on baggage. Always be sure to leave toys that look like weapons (e.g. water guns, toy grenades, etc.) at home.

Check Wait Times: Preparing for your departure is easier with CATSA’s online wait time indicator. Wait times for security screening checkpoints major airports provide extra convenience when planning your trip. (I check it obsessively before travel! Super convenient.) …

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

Faster, Easier and Safer Family Travel? Yes Please.

November 5, 2013 By Lena

Are you travelling over the holidays this year? During the Christmas season, thousands take to the skies to celebrate with friends and family. It’s the time of year to reconnect with our loved ones. That being said, there are some restrictions on what can be brought on board a plane. In advance of the busy travel season, I’m pleased to share with you a few simple tips to get through security hassle-free, presented by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

1. Avoid wrapping presents. Officers may have to unwrap them for control purposes. Wait until you arrive at your destination, or take advantage of some airports’ gift-wrapping services located past security.

2. Avoid bringing presents that contain liquid, aerosols or gels in your carry-on luggage. This includes: alcohol, wine, beer, snow globes, canned soup, maple syrup, perfume and lotions. Put them in your checked baggage or send them separately.

3. Flying with the kids? Snowy weather and bulky outerwear can make flying in winter a hassle, especially if you have children. The tips below will help you and your family at the security checkpoint.

At home
• Make sure your family wears easy-to-remove outwear and avoid clothing with metal snaps on your travel day.
• Keep the kids happy by packing their favourite snacks – solid foods like fruit and chocolate are allowed in your carry-on bag. Liquids and gels are restricted to 100mL unless you’re travelling with a child under the age of two, in which case you can bring more than 100mL of baby food, formula, milk, water and juice.

At the airport
• Use the Family/Special Needs screening line for more assistance. You will find one at most major airports.
• Let a screening officer know if anyone in your family requires extra time or help during security screening.
• Make sure your family knows they will need to remove their winter outerwear for screening – coats, hats, etc….

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: airport security, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), family travel

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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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