City Breaks & Cultural Travel

Planning ahead is the first step to a smooth and enjoyable city break. Follow these quick tips:

• Stay informed: Check out the security screening rules and procedures so you know what to expect when you get to the screening checkpoint.
• Guidelines for batteries: Most batteries are generally safe for air travel. Infrequently, batteries can short-circuit, overheat and, in some cases, cause sparks or a fire. Our Guidelines for Batteries page is a great source to reference when travelling with batteries, including how to properly pack spare batteries.
• Keep essentials handy: Pack travel documents in an easily accessible spot.
• Stay organized: Our online travel checklist tool (see below) can help you create a personalized list based on your needs and the current security screening regulations.

A little preparation can save time at security. Here's how to get ready: 

• Know the rules: Avoid delays at security checkpoints by packing your carry-on like a pro. Make sure all liquids, aerosols and gels, including sunscreen, vape juice and liquid make-up, are in containers of 100 ml or less and fit in one clear, resealable, 1L plastic bag. Certain items are exempt from these restrictions, but most larger liquids, aerosols and gels need to be packed in your checked baggage.
• Solid food: Solid food items, such as sandwiches and fruit, are permitted in both your carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada. If your destination is outside of Canada, any food not consumed, including food in checked baggage, will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting.
• Organize electronics: Laptops and other large electronics should be easily accessible. Pack them near the top of your bag for easy removal at security.
• Avoid metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, watches, wedding bands/engagement rings, eyeglasses and avoid wearing belts with large metal buckles.

Packing smartly for a city trip can simplify your airport experience and help you stay organized during your travels.

• Follow the 100 ml rule for liquids in your carry-on: Pack liquids in containers of 100 ml or less and place them in a 1 L clear, resealable bag. This include items like perfume, hand sanitizer and small toiletries.
• Medication: Passengers with medical needs are allowed to bring prescription and essential non-prescription medication through the security checkpoint, including day-by-day pill separators and blister packs.
• Limit inorganic powders to 350 ml in your carry-on: Keep in mind that the total combined quantity should be 350 ml or less/passenger (roughly the size of a soda can). This includes items like sand, bath salts and baby powder. Additionally, CATSA recommends avoiding metal-lined containers when travelling with powdered baby formula in your carry-on. If you need to bring more than 350 ml of inorganic powders and granular materials, you will need to pack it in your checked baggage.
• Keep essentials handy: Pack travel documents in an easily accessible spot.

When you arrive at the airport, being prepared and aware of security screening procedures can make the experience stress-free.

• Have your boarding pass ready: Keep this item easily accessible as it must be presented once you arrive at the security checkpoint.
• Empty pockets before screening: Empty your pockets of items like coins, keys and other metal objects before reaching the security checkpoint. Place these items in your carry-on baggage.
• Your laptop: Remove your laptop from its carrying case and place it in a bin with nothing on top or underneath. Many laptops look alike, so we recommend personalizing yours with a sticker or placing another item, like your liquids bag, beside it so you can quickly recognize yours after you are cleared through the security screening checkpoint.
• Your water bottle: If you are travelling with a reusable bottle, make sure it’s empty before going through security.
• Metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, watches, wedding bands/engagement rings, eyeglasses and avoid wearing belts with large metal buckles.
• Mobility aids: Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and scooters are permitted through pre-board screening. A screening officer will need to inspect the mobility aid as part of the screening process. If you are unable to walk through the metal detector unassisted, you will be offered a non-metallic cane. Passengers in a wheelchair or scooter who are unable to stand or walk during the screening process can stay seated and by-pass the walk-through metal detector. The screening officer will inspect your wheelchair or scooter and perform a swab test for explosives. They will also conduct a physical search of both you and your mobility aid. Tools of any size that are required by a passenger travelling with their mobility aid are permitted in carry-on baggage (e.g. repair kits for wheelchairs). However, if you have a multi-tool that includes a knife/blade, it must be packed in checked baggage for all those flying to the United States. Passengers travelling with battery-operated wheelchairs or mobility aids are advised to contact their airline in advance to make arrangements for transportation.