Sun & Sand Vacations

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

• Security procedures: Familiarize yourself with security screening requirements, including regulations for liquids and personal belongings.
• Know what gets packed where: If you aren’t sure what is permitted in your carry-on or checked bag, you can consult our "What can I bring?” tool; a helpful reference when packing. Enter the name of your item in the search box and the results will tell you if the item is permitted, permitted with limits on the quantity you can bring, or not allowed in your carry-on or checked bag. If you cannot find the item, you can contact us with questions through X (Twitter) or Facebook.
• Strollers: Screening officers will need to inspect strollers, infant carriers and car seats. Although strollers and wagons are permitted through the security screening checkpoint, your airline may have other restrictions on the number and size of such carry-on items. We recommend that you contact your airline or visit their website for details to ensure your stroller is permitted.
• 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.
• Create a travel checklist: 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 in your carry-on, including sunscreen, liquid make-up and toothpaste, are in containers of 100 ml or less, and fit in one clear, resealable, 1L plastic bag. Certain items are exempted from these restrictions.
• Baby food: If you are travelling with an infant under two years of age (0-24 months), liquid baby formula, juice, water and other baby food are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 100 ml. You may also bring gel or ice packs to keep these items cool. All consumables for baby must be presented to the screening officer for inspection.
• Solid food: Items, such as sandwiches, apples and granola bars, 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.
• Breast milk: Passengers flying with or without their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml provided it is presented to the screening officer for inspection. Gel or ice packs are also permitted if being used to keep breast milk cold.

Learn how to pack your sunscreen, electronics and liquids while following security rules for a hassle-free trip.

• 1L LAGs bag: Ensure that liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) are in containers no larger than 100 ml. This includes sunscreen, shampoo and hand sanitizer. All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity. The bag must be transparent so screening officers can easily see the contents. Each passenger is allowed a single 1L bag. The approximate dimensions of a 1L bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.). You will need to take the bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin for inspection.
• 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.
• Guidelines for batteries: Most batteries are generally safe for air travel. Infrequently, batteries can short-circuit and overheat and, in some cases, cause sparks or a fire. Our Guidelines for Batteries page is a great resource to reference when travelling with batteries, including how to properly pack spare batteries.
• Guidelines for toys: You can pack toys in your child’s carry-on baggage but leave toys that look like weapons (e.g. water guns, toy grenades) at home.

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

• Family/Special needs lines: When you arrive at the checkpoint, check if the Family/Special Needs line is available. This line features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items like strollers, and screening officers who offer additional assistance to passengers needing more time or help with their belongings.
• Have boarding pass ready: Keep this item easily accessible for quick check-ins at security checkpoints.
• 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 water bottle: If you are travelling with a reusable bottle, make sure it’s empty before going through security.
• Laptops: Remove any laptops from their carrying cases and place them in a bin with nothing on top or underneath. Many laptops look alike, so we recommend personalizing yours with a sticker or other identifier or placing another item, like your liquids bag, beside it so you can quickly recognize yours after you are cleared through the security checkpoint.
• Avoid metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, wedding bands/engagement rings, eyeglasses and avoid wearing belts with large metal buckles.
• Additional screening: If you or your carry-on bag alarm during screening, you may be asked to undergo additional screening. Screening officers are trained to conduct these procedures in the most professional and respectful manner possible. If you have privacy concerns, you can request a private screening room.