CATSA News Release

Tips for Travellers for the Summer Season

OTTAWA (Ontario) - With the summer travel season fast approaching, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) would like to remind air travellers that passenger and baggage screening has been tightened across the country.

With that in mind, CATSA offers these helpful hints about airport security screening to make your trip enjoyable from start to finish.

PACK YOUR BAGS WISELY - We want to help make your trip a safe and happy experience. Please make sure that you check the list of prohibited items available on the websites listed below. In addition, due to enhanced security measures, screening officers will often be required to open your baggage and physically search the contents. For that reason, take only necessary items in your carry-on baggage and resist the temptation to overpack since this could cause delays in processing.

CAMERA FILM - You will certainly want to capture special moments on film! To preserve those memories, you should pack all camera film, used or unused in your carry-on baggage. New screening equipment used for checked baggage will damage your camera film. However, the equipment used at security checkpoints for passengers and their carry-on baggage will not damage any film under 800 ASA/ISO. If your film is over 800 ASA/ISO, you may request a hand search and screening officers will do their best to accommodate you, providing security is not jeopardized or compromised. Digital disks are unaffected and can be packed in any baggage.

LOTIONS AND SPRAYS - Planning to take in the sun? Don't forget your sunscreen! As a general rule, you are permitted to pack your non-aerosol lotions in either checked or carry-on baggage. If you are planning to pack an aerosol container, you should check the websites below or with your airline as some containers are flammable and may be not be allowed on the aircraft.

SENDING THE CHILDREN TO CAMP - There is no greater experience for a child than to spend some time at summer camp; but it can be stressful for the parents. We want to help you prepare for the trip! Remember to check the list of prohibited items since pocket knives, fishing hooks, scissors and other sharp objects are not permitted in carry-on baggage. Remember to pack all camera film in carry-on baggage! If you wish to accompany your child to the gate, you should call the airline ahead of time to make appropriate arrangements.

CAMPING/SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Don't be caught off guard at the airport! If you plan on camping, items such as gas containers for grills/stoves and strike anywhere wooden matches are NOT allowed as either checked or carry-on baggage. You must check with your airline about the handling of these items. If you plan to take a baseball bat, tennis racquet and/or fishing gear, you must place these items in your checked baggage. In addition, if you are a golfer, make sure you clean your clubs thoroughly as they may trigger baggage screening equipment and cause delays. Please check the list of prohibited items before packing.

TAKING THE KIDS WITH YOU - If you are planning to travel with your children, remember these important tips - Toys such as plastic guns, transformer robots that form into toy guns and other items are either prohibited or could be deemed suspicious and delay your journey. These items should be packed in your checked baggage.

FOOD - While it may be tempting to carry food or bring food back from your favourite destination, you should be aware that food products packed in checked baggage may result in additional screening procedures which could cause delays. You are encouraged to pack food products in your carry-on baggage. If you are travelling outside the country, you should check with your airline or Canada Border Services Agency's website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca regarding bringing foreign products into Canada as some restrictions may apply.

WINE/ALCOHOL/LIQUIDS - Many travellers carry wine and alcoholic beverages in their carry-on baggage for fear of breakage. However it is important to remember that all alcoholic beverages must be in their original container sealed with the provincial liquor control seal. Home-made wine will not be accepted as carry-on, nor will alcohol products exceeding 70% alcohol (150 proof). To avoid delays, do not carry any open bottles or unidentified containers of liquids as they may not be permitted through the security checkpoint. Please refer to www.tc.gc.ca for additional restrictions that may apply.

The creation of CATSA was the centerpiece of the Government of Canada's response to the events of September 11, 2001 to further enhance air security in Canada.

A Crown Corporation based in the National Capital Region, CATSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and is responsible for delivering consistent, effective and highly professional service that is set at or above the standards established by federal regulations.

A list of prohibited items can be found at: www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca or www.tc.gc.ca. For more information, please contact: 1-888 294-2202.