The following mobility aids and medical items are permitted through the security checkpoint: 

• Wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Crutches
• Canes
• Walkers
• Prosthetic Devices
• Casts
• Support Braces
• Support Appliances
• Service Animals
• Apnea Monitors
• Orthopedic Shoes
• Exterior Medical Devices
• Assistive/Adaptive Equipment
• Augmentation Devices
• Ostomy Supplies
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines & Respirators (water in CPAP machines is exempt from the liquid restrictions)
• Hearing Aids
• Cochlear Implants
• Tools For Wheelchair Disassembly/Reassembly
• Personal Supplemental Oxygen
• CO2 Personal Oxygen Concentrators
• Tools for Prosthetic Devices
• Medications
• All Diabetes Related Medication, Equipment and Supplies
• Braille Note Takers
• Slate and Stylus
• Any Other Disability-Related Equipment and Associated Supplies 

Pre-Board Screening Procedures for Passengers with Special Needs, and those Travelling with Mobility Aids and Medical Equipment 

• If you require assistance through the pre-board screening checkpoint, please contact your air carrier in advance. The person assisting you will need a gate pass or authorization from the air carrier check-in counter, and will have to undergo the same security screening as the other passengers.
• Let the Screening Officer know your level of ability and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance with mobility aids and carry-on items as you proceed through the security checkpoint. For most passengers with special needs, the following options for pre-board screening are available:
  • Walk through the metal detector unassisted
  • Bypass the metal detector and be screened with a hand-held metal detector
  • Undergo a physical search
• Check with your doctor before flying to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded. You may request a physical search.
• The limit of two carry-on baggage does not apply to medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids.
• Contact your air carrier or travel agent in advance to determine the air carrier’s policy regarding passengers travelling with service animals
• Visually impaired passengers and their service animals should pass through the walk-through metal detector together. While your service animal’s harness does not need to be removed, carrying bags or pouches should be taken off and presented to the Screening Officer for screening.
• Always bring documentation that supports your medical condition.
• It is recommended that you make advance arrangements with your air carrier to transport battery-operated wheelchair or mobility aids.
• Screening Officers will visually inspect your wheelchair or scooter and perform explosive trace detection samples of the cushion. These inspections can be conducted while you remain seated if you are unable to get out of your wheelchair or scooter.
• Please advise the air carrier check-in staff when your boarding pass is issued if you are unable to lift your carry-on baggage. For health and safety reasons, air carrier personnel familiar with baggage handling should provide you with any assistance necessary.
• Pack all medication in your carry-on baggage with clearly identified labels bearing the passenger’s name. Prescription medication is exempted from the liquid restrictions, but must be presented to the Screening Officer separately from your carry-on baggage.
• Since CPAP devices require distilled water to operate, it is recommended that you bring your prescription that supports your medical condition if you bring the device as a carry-on.
• Medical defibrillators and small oxygen or air cylinders for medical use may be packed in carry-on or checked baggage with the air carrier’s approval.
• Small gas cylinders for operating mechanical limbs are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.

CATSA’s Screening Officers are trained to assist passengers with special needs through the screening process in the most efficient, professional and dignified manner possible. If you have a disability, condition or implant (like a pacemaker, insulin pump) that you would like to remain private and confidential, please ask the Security Officer to be discreet. Remember, you may request a private area at any time during the screening process if a physical search is required.

Consult our Special needs profile page to see the aviation security regulations that may apply to you.

For information on pre-board screening procedures or air travel within the US, please consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, or your travel agent.