If you’re heading out for March break, listen up! With airports about to be packed with vacationers escaping the cold, officials have issued new travel advice to help Canadians avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach or a bustling city, a little preparation can make all the difference!
On Friday, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) issued a fresh travel notice to help Canadians get through security smoothly, and you’ll want to take note if you’ve got a flight booked.
First things first: airport security. If you’ve ever been stuck in a slow-moving line while someone digs through their bag for a laptop or tosses out a water bottle, you know how frustrating it can be. CATSA wants to keep things moving smoothly, and that starts with packing smart.
Before leaving home, check out CATSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool. It’s an easy way to see if your items should go in your carry-on, checked luggage, or stay at home entirely.
If you’re bringing anything that might need extra screening — like electronics or liquids — keep them in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag. That way, you won’t be the person holding up the line while frantically searching for your laptop.
For liquids, aerosols, and gels — basically anything you can pour, spread, or spray — each container must be 100 ml or less and fit into a single 1L clear, resealable plastic bag. If it’s bigger than 100 ml, it has to go in your checked luggage.
If you’re travelling with kids, keep in mind that certain baby items like formula or breast milk are allowed in larger quantities, but they’ll need extra screening. The same goes for medications — just make sure they’re in their original packaging.
One common mistake that slows down security lines? Overpacking. If your carry-on is stuffed to the brim, it’ll take longer to search if you get pulled aside for extra screening. Keep things simple, and if you’re unsure about an item, double-check before you leave.
March break is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so be ready for crowds. Even if screening lines are fully staffed, delays can happen, especially during peak hours. The best thing you can do is be prepared, stay patient, and give yourself extra time!
On that note, timing is everything when it comes to airport travel. CATSA recommends arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international or U.S. departures. Sure, it might seem excessive, but time can disappear quickly between traffic, parking, check-in, and security. Giving yourself a buffer means you can actually relax before your flight instead of sprinting through the terminal Home Alone-style.
If you’re picking up any duty-free goodies, make sure you follow the rules, especially if you have a connecting flight in Canada. Your duty-free purchases must be sealed in an official security bag and include an itemized receipt. To avoid any issues, check that your bag has these required security features: a checkmark, a circular arrow, and a red border.
If your items aren’t packed properly, they could be confiscated at security, and that’s not the kind of souvenir you want from your trip.
In February, the Government of Canada also urged March break travellers to triple-check all travel documents. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date (some countries won’t let you in otherwise), and check if you need a visa for your destination. The last thing you want is to have your trip ruined because of an expired passport or missing paperwork.
It’s also smart to sign up for flight alerts from your airline so you’re notified of any delays or last-minute changes.
If you’re travelling internationally, check the latest Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination, too, as these can give you a heads-up on potential safety concerns, health risks, and entry requirements.
Lastly, keep digital and paper copies of your travel documents, including your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary. You never know when having a backup might come in handy. Safe travels!
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