Holiday Travel Tips To Help Speed Through Security

Airports will be bursting to capacity over the next few days with people travelling around the world and across the continent visiting friends and family.

Here are a few tips to help speed you through the dreaded security checkpoints along the way…

1. 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, re-sealable plastic bag so the screening officer can easily see the contents. Any containers over 100ml should be placed in your checked baggage.

2. Ensure duty-free items are in a security-approved bag
If you have purchased any duty-free liquids, aerosols or gels (e.g. alcohol, perfume, cosmetics, hand cream), and you have a connection in a Canadian airport on your return trip, ensure that these items are packed in a sealed official security bag or placed into your checked baggage.

3. 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.
Note: DO NOT take Rubbing Alcohol with you in your carry on – it will be confiscated if the percentage of Isopropyl is 30% or more.

4. Leave gifts unwrapped
If you’re taking gifts with you, leave them unwrapped as their contents may need to be inspected. During the holidays, some airports offer post-security gift wrapping service.

5. Keep small electronics in your carry-on
Small electronic items, including MP3 players (e.g. iPod) and tablets, can remain in your carry-on bag.
6. Dress comfortably
Make sure you can easily remove any bulky outwear such as winter jackets and boots with large buckles. These items must be placed in bins provided at the checkpoint for screening.

7. Have your boarding passes ready
Keep it handy (along with your passport if travelling internationally) for your entire trip through to your seat on the plane. If travelling with children, remember to have all family members’ boarding passes ready to present to the screening officer for verification.

8. Snacks And Drinks
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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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Iain & Gail started blogging in order to inspire and motivate people to travel the world from their perspective – specializing in having the most fun while using the least amount of money, travelling on the cheap without sacrificing comfort.

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Source: TravelBloggers.ca / Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)