Visiting Friends & Relatives

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

• Research security requirements: Ensure you understand the security screening rules to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
• 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.
• Keep valuables secure: Place essential items like electronics and jewellery in your carry-on baggage.
• Ensure essentials are handy: Pack travel documents in an easily accessible spot.
• Stay organized: Use CATSA's travel checklist (see below) to ensure you pack everything you need for your next trip.

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

• 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 includes 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.
• 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: Pack laptops and other large electronics in an accessible spot for easy removal during security screening.
• Avoid metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, watches, wedding bands/engagement rings, eyeglasses and avoid wearing belts with large metal buckles.

Packing efficiently for your trip can help improve your airport experience. Get some helpful tips for packing electronics and toiletries, and what’s allowed in your carry-on.

• Follow the rules for gifts: Leave gifts unwrapped, as the contents may need to be inspected. All carry-on items, including gifts, are subject to volume restrictions if they contain liquids, aerosols or gels.
• Keep essentials handy: Pack travel documents in an easily accessible spot.
• Packing power bank chargers: Some trips involve frequent phone use for navigation, photos and staying connected. A power bank is a great device while on the go, but it should be packed in your carry-on, as there are restrictions on carrying it in your checked baggage.
• Less is more: If it’s something you can spread, spray or pour, and you are taking it in your carry-on, make sure it’s in a container of 100 ml or less and that these items are packed in a 1L transparent, resealable bag.

Arriving at the airport prepared and knowing 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Use a clear bag for liquids: Ensure your 100ml liquids are placed in a clear, 1L resealable bag. Most airports provide clear bags if needed.