TRAVEL & DESTINATIONS Put the books down and pack your bags (NC) March Break is a great time to relax and recharge before the final stretch of the school year. Before taking off for your adventures, there is one last thing that you should study: how to breeze through airport screening. To help you pass the security checkpoint exam, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) offers these useful lessons: At home • Pick a comfortable travelling outfit. Refrain from wearing shoes with metal arches and belts with a metal buckle. • Make sure all liquids exceeding 100 ml are packed into your checked baggage. Travel-size containers (100 ml or less) can be brought in
carry-on bags. They need to be put in a 1-litre resealable clear bag. • Ice skates are the only winter sports item that is allowed in your carry-on baggage. For bigger items, like snowboards, skis and hockey sticks, you will have to include them with your checked baggage. • Pack your butane curling iron in your checked baggage. Electric blow-dryers, other curling irons and flat irons are permitted in your carry-on. At the airport • Be ready to present your boarding pass to the screening officer. • Put sunglasses and everything in your jacket pockets and put your jacket in a bin before you go through the metal detector.
Airport security preparation for families (NC) March Break is a perfect time to skedaddle from the cold and take a well-deserved family vacation. Unfortunately, the idea of making happy memories can quickly shatter if you are unprepared for airport screening. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) suggests these helpful tips and tricks when traveling with kids so that your airport screening experience is a walk in the park: At home • Make sure you and your family wear comfortable clothing with no metal straps or buttons. Ensure that outerwear is easy to take off; this will save you a lot of time since it will need to be removed for screening. • Pack all liquids 100 ml or less together in a clear and re-sealable plastic bag. Place the plastic
• Remove laptop computers from their cases and place them in a bin. • Keep other electronic equipment in your carry-on baggage. Additional travel tips can be found online at catsa.gc.ca, or mobile at m.catsa.gc.ca. You can also follow the organization on Twitter, @catsa_gc. www.newscanada.com
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bag somewhere that is easily accessible in your carry-on since you will need to take it out for screening. • Note that all liquids that exceed 100 ml must be placed in your checked baggage, unless you are travelling with a child under the age of two. Baby food, formula, milk, water and juice are acceptable to pack in your carry-on. • Carry snacks in your carry-on to keep your kids smiling. Make sure that these are solid foods (like fruits and chocolate). • Pack toys in your carry-on to keep the kids entertained. At the airport • Arrive early at the airport. This is crucial especially at peak periods. • Use the Family/Special Needs screening line.
Airport screening made easy for seniors (NC) Lack of preparation for airport screening has the potential to cause unwanted concerns. If you haven’t travelled in a long time and fear the security checkpoint, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has the following tips to alleviate your stress and make your experience more enjoyable: At home • Dress in comfortable clothes. If you choose to wear jewellery, keep it limited. • Make sure that outerwear, belts and shoes are easy-to-remove, and avoid metal snaps or buttons. • Pack liquids of 100 ml or less and keep them together in a 1-litre transparent and re-sealable plastic bag. • Ensure that all your prescription medications in your carry-on baggage are clearly labelled with your name. • Note that it is permitted to carry essential nonprescription medications such as cough syrup, eye drops, contact lens solutions, rash creams, gel
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• Do not leave your baby in a stroller on the x-ray belt. Hold your child in your arms as you pass through the metal detector. • Inform the screening officer if you require any assistance. Additional travel tips can be found online at catsa.gc.ca, or mobile at m.catsa.gc.ca. You can also follow the organization on Twitter, @catsa_ gc. www.newscanada.com
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pills, etc. in containers larger than 100 ml in your carry-on. Please give these to the screening officer separately. • It is acceptable for diabetics to bring juice or carbohydrate gel packs as well as their medication and necessary equipment. • Seek approval from the air carrier before packing medical defibrillators and small oxygen or air cylinders in carry-on baggage. At the airport • Arrive early at the airport – especially at peak periods. • Ask your airline in advance if you require any specific assistance. • Have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer. • Wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetic devices and any other equipment are allowed at the security checkpoint. • Bring a note from your doctor if you have prosthetic joint replacements since they could
potentially set off the metal detector. • Use the Family/ Special Needs lane if you have mobility issues, and let the screening officer know of your level of ability. Consult your doctor before flying if you have any concerns about your safety going through the metal detectors. Other methods of screening can be used as an alternative. Additional tips are available online at www. catsa.gc.ca, or on the mobile site m.catsa.gc.ca, and on Twitter @catsa_gc.
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March 2014
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