Winter travel guide

On this page

• Arrive early
• Pack smart
• Stay informed
• Welcome to our winter travel guide!
• Tips and recommendations
  • Packing
  • Before you go
  • Screening
  • Create a travel checklist
• FAQ
  • General
  • Screening
  • Disabilities and medical conditions
  • Packing

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Welcome to our winter travel guide!

Your security is our top priority; we strive to offer the best possible experience to passengers, while ensuring every flight is secure.

The winter travel season is busy, so plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to park, check-in and go through security screening. As recommended by airlines, plan to be at the airport two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international and US flights.

Screening officers are available to guide you through the security screening process. If you are unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to ask.

Being a verified traveller has its perks. Not sure if you qualify? Before your trip, visit the Verified Travellers page to learn more about the benefits available to verified travellers at your departing airport and checkpoint.

Read on for more security screening tips.

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Tips and recommendations

Packing

• Know the rules: Make sure all liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on (including sunscreen, hand sanitizer and personal products) are in containers of 100ml or less and fit in one clear, resealable, 1L plastic bag. Certain items are exempted from these restrictions.
  
  If you have inorganic powders or granular materials in your carry-on, the total combined quantity should be 350ml or less/passenger, roughly the size of a soda can. Items like foot powders, bath salts and some mineral-based supplements are included in this category. If you need to bring more than 350ml of inorganic powders and granular materials, they must be packed in your checked baggage.
   
• Rules for carry-on luggage: 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. To find information on any item, simply enter the name of the item in the search box and press search. It will tell you if the item is permitted in your carry-on or checked  bag, if there are limits on the quantity you can bring, or if the item is not permitted at all. If the item cannot be found, you can contact us with questions through X (Twitter), Facebook, by phone and through our online form.
   
• Diabetic supplies and equipment: Syringes, insulin auto-injectors, jet injectors and pumps are permitted in your carry-on baggage. Liquid medications (e.g. insulin) are exempt from the liquid restrictions (including gel or ice packs to refrigerate the medication) and can be carried in carry-on baggage in volumes larger than 100ml (3.4 oz.). 
   
• 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 an 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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Kitchen appliances: Rice cookers, coffee makers, kettles and toasters are permitted in your carry-on baggage.

Before you go

• Before you make your way to the airport, make sure you have the proper photo identification. If you are using your cell phone for your boarding pass, please ensure it is well charged and ready to be scanned at the security screening checkpoint.
   
• Remember that winter is high peak travel season. While our screening lines are well staffed, there may be line-ups during peak travel times like early mornings, weekends and around holidays. Arrive early and be prepared for security screening. When you get to the airport, check the security screening wait times on our website and the status of your flight with your airline.

Screening

• Security procedures: Familiarize yourself with security screening requirements, including regulations for liquids and personal belongings.
   
• Follow instructions: Your safety is our priority. Follow screening officer instructions during the screening process. They may ask you to separate certain items that can obstruct X-ray images.
   
• Family/Special needs lines: When you arrive at the checkpoint, check if the Family/Special Needs line is available if you need it. This line features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, like mobility aids, and screening officers who offer additional assistance to passengers needing more time or help with their belongings to get through security.
   
• 1L LAG bags: Before you arrive at security screening, ensure that all liquids, aerosols and gels are in containers no larger than 100ml. 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. Do not place more than one bag in a bin. This rule does not apply to prescription and non-prescription medications.
   
• Medication: Passengers with medical needs are allowed to bring prescription and essential non-prescription medications through the security checkpoint, including day-by-day pill separators and blister packs.
   
• 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.
   
• Tablets and e-readers: These items can remain in your carry-on bag during security screening. However, ensure that you can remove any covers or protective cases from your electronic devices and that they can be powered up, if further inspection is required.
   
• Metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, watches, 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.
   
• Improved screening experience for verified travellers: If you are a verified traveller, select airports offer added benefits at security screening checkpoints across Canada. Learn more about the experiences available and applicable locations by visiting the Verified Travellers page.

Create a travel checklist

• Our online travel checklist tool can help you create a personalized list based on your needs and the current security screening regulations.

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FAQ

Here you'll find answers to commonly asked questions about various aspects of air travel security. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact us directly for further assistance.

General

What is CATSA?

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is responsible for the security screening of air travellers and their belongings.

How can I contact CATSA for more information or assistance?

• Call 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free) or 1-833-339-1021 (TTY) if you have a question that requires an immediate response.
• Contact us through X (Twitter) or Facebook (responses are provided Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Time).
• Use our online form to send us an e-mail.

Screening

How do I avoid triggering an alarm when using the full-body scanner or the walk-through metal detector?

To decrease the likelihood of setting off an alarm, we recommend you wear easy-to-remove outerwear, avoid belts with large metal buckles and wear clothing without snaps, metal buttons or studs. If you trigger an alarm, or if you are randomly selected for secondary screening, you may be asked to undergo additional screening.

Can I request alternative screening options instead of the walk-through metal detector or the full-body scanner?

Yes. Before the screening process begins, let the screening officer know if you cannot be screened using the walk-through metal detector or full-body scanner. The screening officer will provide you with alternative screening options.

I have had a hip replacement recently. What are my options at security screening?

When you get to the security screening checkpoint, let the screening officer know that you have a metal implant. Passengers with fully internal metal implants (such as joint replacements, metal rods, pins and plates) can bypass the walk-through metal detector. The screening officer will recommend other options, such as the use of a hand-held metal detector, a full body scanner or physical search.

What options are available for passengers with limited mobility during the screening process at the checkpoint?

You will be asked if you can walk through the metal detector unassisted. If you can’t, you will be offered a non-metallic cane provided by CATSA. If you are not able to get up out of a mobility device (e.g. a wheelchair or scooter), you and your mobility aid will bypass the metal detector and undergo a physical search.

Disabilities and medical conditions

What assistance is available if I have a disability or medical condition?

CATSA recognizes that travel can be challenging for passengers with disabilities or medical conditions. When you arrive at the checkpoint, let the screening offer know that you require assistance or more time to get through the screening process. If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to stand in line or are unable to lift your baggage onto the screening belt, options will be provided to you by the screening officer. Also, upon request, screening officers will expedite the security screening process for you, including your travel companion(s) or service animal.

Can I bring my medical supplies or equipment on board?

Passengers with medical needs are allowed to bring prescription and essential non-prescription medications with them through the security checkpoint as well as any medically required items and mobility aids. We recommend checking with your airline or contacting CATSA directly if you have questions about transporting medical supplies or equipment.

I have a prescription medication that is a cream, but it is in a container that is larger than 100ml. Am I allowed to bring it and do I need a doctors note?

You may bring prescription and essential non-prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medication in quantities more than 100ml in your carry-on bag. These medications do not have to be placed in your 1L plastic bag, however, you should remove them from your carry-on and place them in the bin for inspection. We recommend that you carry liquid, gel or aerosol prescription medication in original containers with a pharmacy label identifying the medication. Documentation to support your medical needs or condition is not required; however, if you feel that it would help ease your screening, you can present it to the screening officer along with your medically necessary items.

I have a CPAP machine. Am I able to bring more than 100 ml of distilled water in my carry on bag?

Yes. The distilled water used by this device is exempted from the liquid restrictions and is permitted in your carry-on.

Packing

Am I allowed to pack glassware like wine glasses or a vase in my carry-on baggage?

Yes, we recommend keeping fragile or expensive items with you in your carry-on baggage. Fragile items such as dishes, figurines, glassware, prescription eyewear and sunglasses should be properly packed inside of your carry-on bag so that you can ensure the item does not get broken.

I need more than 100 ml of sunscreen for my trip. Can I put full size bottles in my checked luggage?

Yes, larger bottles of sunscreen are permitted in your checked bag.

What are the rules for travelling with my electric shaver?

Electric shavers are permitted in both your carry-on and checked baggage.

I am trying to quit smoking. Am I allowed to bring my vape and refill cartridges with me and should they be packed in my carry-on or checked bag?

A vape should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Liquid to refill an electronic cigarette/vape is permitted in quantities of 100ml (3.4 oz.) or less in your carry-on and should be packed in your clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity.

If you have any further inquiries or require additional assistance, we can help. Agents are ready to take your call Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can also reach out on X (Twitter) or Facebook.

Share this guide with friends and family who are planning to travel by air this winter. And remember, arriving early and prepared at security screening contributes to a stress-free journey.

Safe travels!