Airport travel can be stressful during the holiday season so we’ve collected the best travel tips to make your trip through the airport easier. Whether you are travelling to visit relatives or going away on a vacation the airports are at their busiest and busy means you don’t want any delays. These airport travel tips will help you streamline the process and be ready for security and screening.
By following these airport travel tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) you will experience less stress and you will also get you through the checkpoint faster and easier.
Airport Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
Download CATSA’s app
Go to CATSA’s website (catsa.gc.ca) and download their “Breeze through security” mobile app. In addition to wait times, you’ll find information on what you can and can’t bring through security and helpful tips about the screening process.
Remember the 100ml rule
Put large containers of liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked baggage. Only amounts less than 100 ml, placed in a 1 L clear, re-sealable plastic bag, are permitted in your carry-on baggage. This includes beverages and non-solid food (e.g. yogurt, pudding and peanut butter). However, beverages and food for children under the age of two are exempt from these restrictions (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice and purees). Keep these items within reach as they need to be inspected separately.
Leave gifts unwrapped
If you’re bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped in case their contents may need to be inspected. Some airports have gift-wrapping services located past security during the holiday season.
How to pack your electronics for airport security
Bringing your children’s electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport. To save time leave small electronic devices like tablets, e-books, cameras and handheld video games in their cases or in your carry-on baggage for screening, then simply place the case or baggage in the bin. If you travel with large electronic items like laptops, DVD players, netbooks, notebooks or game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.) you need to remove them from your carry-on baggage and place them separately in a bin. Make sure there are no other items on top or underneath.
Choose easy-to-remove outerwear
Make sure the little ones can easily remove winter jackets, boots and hats. These items must be placed in bins for screening.
Look for the Family/Special Needs lane
If you need help at the checkpoint, look for the Family/Special Needs lane. It features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, like car seats and strollers, and screening officers who offer additional assistance.
Have your boarding passes ready
Remember to have all family members’ boarding passes ready for inspection.
If you have more questions about the screening process, you can find answers online at catsa.gc.ca, on the go with CATSA’s mobile app or on social media (Twitter: @catsa_gc, Pinterest: CATSAGC). You can also watch short info video on CATSA’s YouTube channel. Bon voyage!
Keeping your laptops in an easy to access part of your bag can really speed things up. It is no fun having to unpack half your bag just to get out your laptop for screening
These are awesome tips, thanks! Never thought about wrapped gifts, whoa. Wonder how many gifts a security guard gets to unwrap every holiday, lol.
We’ve been thinking about visiting family outside of Canada this holiday, so have bookmarked this page for reference, thanks! :)
Aeryn Lynne recently posted..The Geek’s Holiday Gift Guide for the Spy Who Loves You
That’s a really good point about outerwear! Not something you always think of, but so helpful for going through security!
Heather Lynne recently posted..Free Printable Christmas Thank You Cards for Kids & Adults
These are awesome tips! I have been able to retain some of them with my past experiences at security, but I will definitely need to revisit this list of to dos right before our next family trip. It will save a LOT of grief and time :). Thanks!
Great tips! I don’t fly very much let alone with a child but I will definitely keep these tips in mind for the day that I’ll need them.
Jason recently posted..Homemade Gifts Using Bernardin Canning Jars
Great holiday travel tips…thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Hope they help.
Electronic gadgets are essential during travel I agree. They help your kids not to get cranky especially if there’s delay in flights. I could focus on preparing the things my kids need or solving some problems beyond our control. My energy won’t be drained completely with kids getting bored or tired with waiting.
Those tips are really effective and easy to remember. I am glad you shared this here.