Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

Multi-Generational Travel: Airport Screening Tips for Seniors

July 27, 2016 By Lena 30 Comments

A trip with grandma? It’s my son’s dream come true.

As multi-generational travel increases in popularity, so does the need to address the specific concerns of all members of the family – from age two to seventy-two. In the past, I’ve concentrated on screening tips for families and children. Today, with the help of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), I’m sharing ways to make airport screening a breeze for seniors.

CATSA-GeneralPins-Set2-12-EN (2) 1. Pack large liquid containers in checked baggage. When packing your carry-on bag, remember that only liquids, gels and aerosols of 100 mL or less in a one-litre clear, resealable plastic bag are accepted. Larger items like shampoo, toothpaste, creams, shaving cream, perfume and suntan lotion over 100 mL must be packed in your checked baggage.

2. Keep your medication with you. The 100 mL limit on liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on doesn’t apply to medication — whether it’s prescribed or over-the-counter. Just be ready to present them separately to the screening officers for inspection.

3. Arrive early and ask for help, if needed. The more time you have to go through security, the less stress you’ll feel. If you have difficulty lifting or carrying your bags, advise airline staff when you check in.

At the checkpoint, look for the family/special needs line if you need more time or assistance to move through security. Have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer and place your cell phone and other small electronic equipment, coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on. Be sure to let screening officers know if you have any medical devices or metal implants.

For more information on how to breeze through security visit catsa.gc.ca or call 1-888-294-2202.

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.

755c69b81df0d5b1fd9c8b280d624298 1. 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. …

Flying this March Break? Tips to Breeze through Security.

March 1, 2015 By Lena

If you’re like me, and the thousands of Canadians who will take to the air for a vacation this March break, the Canadian Air Transport Security (CATSA) has advice that will help you go through security in no time.

Family Friendly Tips: Good news! When you’re travelling with children under the age of two, you can bring liquids such as milk, breast milk and juice that exceed the 100ml restrictions in carry-on baggage. Just have the containers ready to present to screening officers for a quick inspection. For older kids, solid foods such as apples, granola bars and sandwiches can go in your carry-on without restrictions.
CATSA 1 Before you leave for the airport, make sure everyone is wearing easy-to-remove outerwear and avoid clothes with metal clasps or snaps that may trigger the metal detector.

At the airport, get boarding passes ready and check for a Family/Special Needs lane. They offer extra space to accommodate larger items like strollers and car seats. …

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….