It’s holiday travel season and that means busy airports. Whether you are heading to visit friends or heading on a tropical vacation you want to make sure you are prepared, packed appropriately and know all the best tips to clear airport security efficiently. It is one of those necessary hassles but with a bit of preparation you can take the hassle out and just enjoy your time in the lounge.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has all the tips to help you get through the airport security lines without the headache.
10 Tips to Clear Airport Security Without the Hassle
- Pack liquids, aerosols and gels properly
Only liquids, aerosols and gels that are 100ml or less are permitted in your carry-on. Place these items in a single 1L clear, resealable plastic bag so the screening officer can easily see the contents. Any containers over 100ml should be placed in your checked baggage.
- Know the age restrictions for baby food
Beverages and food (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice, purées) for children under the age of two are exempted from the liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions. These items should be packed so that they can easily be removed from your carry-on baggage for inspection.
- Bring solid snacks for the family
While you can’t bring yogurt or peanut butter, you can carry solid food items, such as sandwiches, granola bars and fruit through security when travelling within Canada. You can also bring an empty refillable drink container to refill once you pass through security.
- Have medications ready for inspection
Prescription and essential non-prescription medications (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solution) are allowed. You can bring them in quantities greater than 100 ml in your carry-on but must show these items to the screening officer for inspection.
- Leave gifts unwrapped
If you’re bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped as their contents may need to be inspected. During the holidays, some airports offer post-security gift wrapping service.
- Keep small electronics in your carry-on
Bringing your children’s electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport. Small electronic items, including MP3 players (e.g. iPod) and tablets, can remain in your carry-on bag.
- Dress comfortably
Make sure you and the little ones can easily remove any bulky outwear including winter jackets and boots with large buckles. These items must be placed in bins provided at the checkpoint for screening.
- Use the Family/Special Needs lane
Check if the Family/Special Needs lane is available when you arrive at the checkpoint. It’s designed to accommodate larger items (e.g. strollers, car seats) and is best for passengers needing more time or help at the checkpoint.
- Have your boarding passes ready
Remember to have all family members’ boarding passes ready to present to the screening officer for verification.
- Contact CATSA if you have questions
If you need more information, CATSA can be contacted directly at 1-888-294-2202 or via:
- Website: www.catsa.gc.ca
- Twitter: @catsa_gc
- Pinterest: CATSAGC
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I love this. We always dress comfortably and make sure we have on slip-on shoes.
Thanks so much for sharing these tips. Airport security is the worst!
Jennifer recently posted..7 Eco Friendly Ways we are Keeping Our Office Greener
I always keep my medications separate. I learned that one the hard way lol
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted..10 Free Kindle Books From Amazon For 11/20/15
These are all great tips! If everyone would follow this I think the line would go MUCH faster. My SIL once has peanut butter taken away because it was consider a liquid!
Jeanette recently posted..Easy Holiday Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List
This is handy since I have to go to the airport in the morning! I remember last time that I forgot about a bottle of water in my backpack and it took forever to get through!
These are great tips! We’ve managed to clear security pretty fast lately. Maybe it’s luck!
Before flying I always check the CATSA website to refresh myself what is and isn’t allowed. I have seen people going through security who haven’t followed the guidelines and it would be such a hassle to go through all of that.
Stacie recently posted..8 Reasons Why Financial Literacy Matters
I travel quite a bit so this is super helpful. I have to start double checking my luggage and carry ons every time just in case.
Liz Mays recently posted..Snickerdoodle Cobbler
This is great to know. I haven’t flown since I was 8 so I haven’t the slightest clue and always hear it can be a nightmare. I’m planning a trip this coming summer, so I’m glad to know this ahead of time.
Great tips. I love how San Antonio Airport makes it easy for kids and doesn’t force them to take their shoes off… Makes life super-easy. :)
I ALWAYS forget to leave gifts unwrapped. One year I had a major fiasco and had to re-wrap everything with no supplies last minute! Thanks for the great tips.
Oh no! That would not be good!
Those are great tips! I fly a lot and it can be a very big hassle sometimes!
Great tips. I always carry my computer and electronics in a carry on bag.
Ann BAcciaglia recently posted..Stunning Drive Through The Florida Keys #WordlessWednesday
Your tips are excellent and thorough. In fact I think your last tip is most important if you have any doubts or questions on what may or may not be brought thru security. I fly a lot and the security routines and requirements tend to vary by airport and even at the same airport change from time to time. So it always makes sense to call or go online ahead of time to see what the current restrictions are.
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These are awesome tips. You need to be as thorough as this, especially when you are traveling with kids.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted..Things You Should Never Cook in the Microwave
Also, another trip is to keep your clothes that you wear really simple. Ladies leave all the clunky belts and bangled jewelry for later in the trip.
Shelley Zurek recently posted..What do I do? Amwell Makes it Easy to Talk to a Doctor…First Visit Free!
No one wants to be delayed at the airport! Think ahead and be prepared!