July 28, 2005

TOY GUNS CREATE HASSLES FOR AIRPORT SECURITY,
DELAYS FOR TRAVELLERS  

OTTAWA – The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is advising air travellers to leave their water pistols and toy guns at home, otherwise they risk causing unnecessary delays at the airport during this busy travel period.

From January to June 2005, airport screening officers intercepted nearly 3,000 toy guns, water pistols, toy grenades and other items resembling real weapons.

“Through an X-ray machine, those items look like a threatening object. We cannot take any chances,” says Kevin McGarr, Vice President Risk & Quality, CATSA.

Once screening officers detect a threat, they will notify police. This has a direct impact on other travellers. Last year, the interception of prohibited items at airport security checkpoints caused delays totalling 15,000 hours.

“Canadian travellers have to know what they can and cannot bring on board an aircraft. The consequence is a stressful wait for other passengers and a misuse of resources meant for a real emergency,” adds McGarr.

So far this year, screening officers intercepted more than 262,000 prohibited items. The most common items are knives and sharp objects. However, a number of toys and accessories, such as gun-shaped belt buckles and jewelry, as well as ammunition have been intercepted. Even a grenade-shaped perfume bottle, although harmless, will not pass security.

PROHIBITED ITEMS IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE:

• Toy guns and anything shaped like a weapon, including real or imitation ammunition.
• Pocket knives, scissors, sharp fishing gear (such as fishing hooks) and other sharp objects must be packed in checked baggage.
• Flammable aerosol containers and camping items such as gas containers and wooden matches are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.

For more information on how to pack your carry-on and checked baggage, please visit www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca or call 1-888-294-2202.

CATSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and is responsible for delivering consistent, effective and highly professional service to ensure the security and safety of air transport in Canada . CATSA is committed to ensuring the integrity of the security system through continuous improvement of its procedures, screening equipment and training program.

Contact information:
Renée Fairweather, CATSA (613) 998-4527