CATSA News Release

For Immediate Release

February 8, 2006

Sports Gear and Back Packs Can Snag Spring Break Travel Plans

OTTAWA - Air travelers hitting the slopes or heading for the beach this spring break are advised to double check what they pack in their carry-on, as this will minimize delays during pre-board screening.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is offering timely travel tips to get your vacation off to a pleasant start.

"Spring break traditionally brings heavier than usual passenger traffic. Travelers who arrive at pre-board screening checkpoints at the last minute will very likely face delays. And passengers with backpacks are advised to take the time to pack properly," advises Jacques Grilli, CATSA Vice President of Operations.

Spring Break Packing Tips:

Back Packs & Other Carry-on Baggage: If your backpack triggers an alarm, be prepared to have all the pouches and compartments searched. Pack only what you need for the duration of your flight. Make sure you do not pack non-permitted items such as bear and dog sprays and other incapacitating sprays; ammunition, cartridges and toy guns; homemade wine and any unsealed alcoholic beverages with an unknown alcohol content.

Sporting Equipment: Most sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, skates and golf clubs are not allowed as carry-on baggage. Place these items in checked baggage. Golf clubs should be thoroughly cleaned. Chemical residue may trigger screening alarms and cause delays.

Bug Lotions & Sprays: One canister of insect repellant aerosol for personal use is permitted in your carry-on. Check with your air carrier before packing aerosol canisters in your checked baggage since flammable aerosols are not permitted in checked baggage.

Toy Guns, Firearms, Ammunition, and Cartridges: Pack these items in your checked baggage. Make sure they are properly packaged and approved by your air carrier during the check-in process. If your baggage contains a toy gun or any other object that resembles a prohibited weapon, notify your air carrier to avoid potential delays during screening.

Computers & Electronic Devices: Electronic devices may be screened by special screening equipment. To minimize time spent at the screening point, remove portable computers and video cameras with cassette from their carrying case and place them in a tray.

Cameras & Film: Transport these items in your carry-on baggage. All cameras must undergo X-ray inspection which is safe for film under 800 ISO/ASA. You may request a hand search of your film, but you will be required to take the film out of your camera.

Dress for Travel - Avoid jewellery or other metal objects that could trigger alarms and delay your trip.

CATSA is a Crown corporation whose sole purpose is the security of airline passengers across Canada. This is achieved through the use of sophisticated screening technology and highly trained officers. By raising your awareness of the requirements, you are helping to protect our skies for everyone.

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Contact: CATSA Communications, 613-998-4527 http://www.catsa.gc.ca