Travel Tips

To avoid delays and ensure a smooth flight, keep these travel tips in mind:

1. Ensure you check-in early enough prior to your flight – at least one hour for domestic flights and two hours for international flights.
2. Ensure there are no sharp objects like scissors, pocket-knives, tools or any source of fire or ignition in your baggage.
3. Make sure electronic equipment such as laptop computers, cell phones or electronic games are charged and ready to be turned on for inspection. You will not be allowed to take them on board unless they are functioning.
4. Remember that unprocessed photographic film could be affected by X-ray technology. To avoid potential problems with your film, physical inspections are available on request.
5. Pack all prescription medication in its original labelled container. Syringes or needles for personal medical use must have needle guard in place and also be accompanied by medication in its original labelled container.
6. Never wrap or package gifts. Security personnel may need to inspect them.
7. Pack carefully. Be aware that any substances capable of posing risks to health, safety, property or the environment when transported, such as cleaning solvents or aerosols, are not permitted on board an aircraft.
8. Pack your own bags; never let someone else do it.
9. Bring an appropriate piece of government-issued photo ID with you, such as a driver’s licence for domestic travel or a passport for international travel. Keep your ID handy and accessible. You may be required to show it at the check-in counter and before boarding the aircraft.

Prohibited items for carry-on baggage

Generally the prohibited items fall into the following categories:

• Knives and knife-like objects such as letter openers, scissors and straight razors;
• Firearms (contact Transport Canada or your airline for more information on the proper procedures for transporting firearms such as hunting rifles);
• Sporting equipment such as baseball and softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, hockey sticks or darts;
• Restraining devices such as handcuffs; and
• Power tools.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website. They have a comprehensive website with excellent tips for packing for your next trip. 

Traveling to the United States?

Since January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) came into effect for air travel to the United States. WHTI is an American endeavor that establishes new requirements for documentation to enter the US. All travelers entering the United States must now have the appropriate documentation which includes:

• A valid Canadian passport; or
• A NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.

The NEXUS program offers a simplified and expedited clearance process to pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

Further information can be found at http://www.ppt.gc.ca/planification/local.aspx?lang=eng&region=USA