Arrive early
Most airlines recommend that you be at the airport two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international and US flights.
Pack smart
Not sure if an item will fly? Our search tool can tell you if it’s permitted in your carry-on, checked baggage or not at all.
Stay informed
Read up on the security screening rules and procedures so you know what to expect when you get to the screening checkpoint.
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 Traveller page to learn more about the benefits available to verified travellers at your departing airport and checkpoint.
Read on for more security screening tips.
Tips
Packing
- 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.
If you have inorganic powders or granular materials, the total combined quantity should be 350 ml or less, roughly the size of a soda can. Inorganic powders and granular materials include things like sand, bath salts, baby powder, cooking powder, salt and seasoning blends that include salt. If you need to bring more than 350 ml of this type of item, it goes in your checked baggage.
- What goes where?: If you aren’t sure what can go in carry-on vs. checked, use our "What can I bring?” tool when packing. Enter the name of your item in the search field and the results will tell you if the item is permitted, permitted with limits, or not allowed in your carry-on or checked bag. If the item isn’t found in the search tool, just reach out to us through X (Twitter) or Facebook.
- Guidelines for batteries: Most batteries are safe for air travel, but some can short-circuit, overheat and even cause sparks or a fire. Our Guidelines for Batteries page is a great reference when travelling with batteries, including how to properly pack any spares.
Before you go
- Before you head to the airport, make sure you have photo ID. If you have your boarding pass on your cell phone, make sure it’s charged up and ready to be scanned at the security screening checkpoint.
- Remember that winter is a busy 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.
- Your water bottle: If you are travelling with a reusable bottle, make sure it’s empty before going through security.
- Empty your pockets: Before arriving at the checkpoint, put your wallet, keys, coins, watch and other small items in your carry-on bag.
- Avoid metal items: Limit jewellery to small earrings, wedding bands/engagement rings, eyeglasses and avoid wearing belts with large metal buckles.
- Your 1 L LAG bag: Before you arrive at security screening checkpoint, ensure that liquids, aerosols and gels are in containers no larger than 100 ml. This includes items like toothpaste, foundation, bronzing oils and vape-juice. 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.
- 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 by putting a sticker on it or placing another item, like your liquids bag, beside it so you can quickly recognize yours after you are cleared through the security checkpoint.
- 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 across Canada offer added benefits at security screening checkpoints. 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.
FAQ
Here you'll find answers to commonly asked questions about various aspects of air travel security screening. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please 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. Operators are available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Reach out 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 can I avoid triggering an alarm at 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 the full-body scanner. The screening officer will provide you with alternative screening options.
I’m travelling with a camera that uses film and I heard that the film can be ruined if it goes through the X-ray. What can I do?
We recommend that you put undeveloped film and cameras in your carry-on baggage. When you are putting your carry-on in the bin, take out your film, tell the screening officer that you have undeveloped film that cannot be X-rayed and ask them to conduct a hand inspection.
Am I allowed to bring food through security?
Solid food items, like sandwiches and baked goods, 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. No matter what your destination, food items that are liquids or gels (or mixed in liquids or gels) may be subject to restrictions at security screening when placed in your carry-on bag.
Special needs and medical conditions
What assistance is available for passengers with special needs or medical conditions?
CATSA recognizes that travel can be challenging for passengers with special needs or medical conditions. When you arrive at the checkpoint, let the screening officers 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.
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 am travelling for school. Can I take four months’ worth of my prescription medication with me in my carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can. Passengers with medical needs are allowed to bring prescription and essential non-prescription medications with them through the security checkpoint.
Packing
Can I bring my Xbox in my carry-on baggage?
Yes, video game consoles are permitted in your carry-on baggage.
Am I allowed to bring a curling iron in my carry-on baggage?
Yes, curling or flat irons and blow-dryers are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
If I have full size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, am I allowed to take them on the plane?
Yes, full size bottles of shampoo and conditioner are permitted in your checked baggage. However, liquid, aerosol and gel items in carry-on are restricted to containers of 100ml or less. All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity.
Can I bring art supplies like paint, watercolour pencils and pencil sharpeners in my carry-on baggage?
Yes, watercolour pencils, pencil sharpeners and paints for arts and crafts, including watercolour paints, are permitted in your carry-on. Watercolour paints – liquid, aerosols or gel - are limited to volumes of 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or less. All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity (only one 1L bag permitted per person). Certain paints, including lacquer, paint thinner and others are not permitted in carry-on baggage. Please note that you need air carrier approval for all lead and acrylic paints packed in your checked baggage.
My deodorant is solid, does it need to go in my 1L bag?
Solid deodorant in carry-on baggage is not subject to the size/volume restrictions and does not need to be packed in your 1L bag.
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. (Call 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free) or 1-833-339-1021 (TTY)). 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!