Travel and Security Advisories

OTTAWA, May 16, 2007 - Parents and grandparents have a new tool to help them plan ahead for their summer trip. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has put together its Flying with Family Checklist with useful advice for people travelling with children and people with medical needs.

The Flying with Family Checklist covers some of the most frequently asked questions on travelling with baby food, medications, toys, plus other helpful tips.

Air passenger traffic in Canada is expected to increase by about 20% during the peak months of July and August, with an anticipated 19 million travellers for those two months alone. With the spike in passenger volumes, people can expect delays at the airport. Travellers are encouraged to consult CATSA's Flying with Family Checklist to help avoid hassles and delays at the security screening checkpoint.

Please note, restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels remain in effect. These items must fit in a container with a maximum capacity of 100 mL (3.4 ounces). All containers must be placed in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag to help expedite screening. One 1-litre bag per passenger is permitted.

There are exceptions to accommodate travellers with children and medical needs. Prescription and essential liquid medications, as well as infant's milk and juices are exempted. These items should be presented separately to the screening officer for inspection.

Please find attached CATSA's Flying with Family Checklist. For more information on CATSA, consult www.catsa.gc.ca.  

CATSA's mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the government. CATSA trains more than 5,200 screening officers at 89 airports.

CONTACT: CATSA Communications: 613-998-4527 

SECURITY BULLETIN

MONTREAL, Aug. 10, 2006 (Canada Newswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Air Canada advises customers that due to heightened security measures; Air Canada and Jazz flights may experience delays.

Transport Canada has advised that effective today, liquids or gels in containers of any size will not be permitted to be brought onboard by passengers as carry-on baggage on all flights (domestic Canada, U.S. transborder and international). Passengers may be subject to similar restrictions in other jurisdictions.

Effectively immediately, customers traveling to any destination will be prohibited from carrying the following items in their carry-on baggage or on their person.

** Prohibited Items **

  • Beverages
  • Suntan lotion
  • toothpaste
  • shampoo
  • creams
  • Hair gel
  • Other essential non-prescription medicine

** Exception Items **

  • Baby formula
  • Breast milk
  • Juices for baby or small child only
  • Prescription medication (name must match PNR)
  • Insulin
  • Or other items of similar consistency

Prohibited items may by transported in checked baggage only.

For more detailed information on security requirements, customers are advised to consult Transport Canada and Government of Canada (www.tc.gc.ca and www.news.gc.ca), U.S. Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov), U.K. Department of Transport (www.dft.gov.uk ) or official websites of other jurisdictions.

Due to heightened security screening by authorities, it is recommended that customers reduce carry-on baggage as much as possible.

Air Canada recommends that customers allow extra time for security screening at the airport and has revised its recommended airport check-in times accordingly:

  • 90 minutes for domestic Canada departures
  • Two hours for U.S. transborder departures to/from the United States
  • Three hours for departures to/from all other international destinations

Customers are advised to check on the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport by consulting the Air Canada website at aircanada.com, or by calling Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422- 7533, or by using a web-enhanced cell phone.