Government of Canada
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Help ensure security and speed up security screening.

Learn more about:

Illegal items in Canada: Please note that when an illegal item, such as pepper spray, is presented at a pre-board screening checkpoint, protocol requires us to notify the police. This could lead to charges and prosecution to the item’s holder.

Before leaving for the airport, pack your liquids, aerosols and gels properly.

LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS AND GELS

Containers of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on must be 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.

All containers must fit in 1 clear, closed, resealable plastic bag no more than 1 litre (1 quart) in capacity. The approximate dimensions of a one litre/quart bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.)

At the screening point, take your plastic bag out of your carry-on and place it in one of the provided trays.

Drink or discard any beverages in containers over 100 ml before security screening.

Any containers over 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage.

EXCEPTIONS FOR LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS AND GELS

The following are allowed in your carry-on without a bag and in containers over 100 ml:

  • Baby formula, baby food, milk or juice, if you are travelling with an infant under two years of age (0-24 months)
  • Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines

You must declare all such items at security screening. These items must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed directly into a bin at the entrance of the checkpoint, as additional screening may be required.

FOOD

Solid food is permitted in both checked and carry-on baggage.

All liquid food in your carry-on (for example, yogurt, pudding or jam) must be in containers of 100 ml or less.

All containers must fit in the same clear, closed, resealable 1 litre plastic bag as all other containers of liquids, aerosols or gels you are carrying.

Any containers over 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage.

OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE NOT PERMITTED

The chart below provides a detailed list of permitted items and items that are not permitted.

Permitted and non permitted items are regulated by Transport Canada. The chart is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary.

To ensure everyone's security, Screening Officers may determine that any item is not permitted at security screening, whether it is on the chart or not.

It is the Screening Officer's responsibility to assess the risk of an item and act accordingly.

NOTE: The chart applies to flights originating within Canada. You should check with your carrier or travel agent for restrictions for flights originating outside of Canada.

Permitted and Non-Permitted Items
MAKE-UP, TOILETRIES AND OTHER LIQUID ITEMS
Carry-On
Checked
Aerosol spray bottles and cans

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container

Yes**

All creams and lotion, including suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc.

Note: Some creams may be considered an essential non-prescription medication and will be exempt from the liquid restrictions (Neosporin, rash creams and other first-aid creams).

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Bubble bath balls, bath oils or moisturizers
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Cuticle cutters
Yes
Yes

Deodorants made of gel or aerosol

Note: Solid and powder deodorants in carry-on baggage are not subject to the size/volume restrictions.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Eye drops
Yes*
Yes
Eyelash curlers
Yes
Yes
Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics
Yes
Yes
Hair styling gels and spray of all kinds (including aerosol)
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Hair straightener or hair detangler (liquid)
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

One gas-operated curling iron with its gas container per person, provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element.

Note: The curling iron without the gas container is allowed in carry-on baggage. Separate gas refills for curling irons are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
No
Yes
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) found in drugstores to clean cuts
Yes*
Yes**

Insect repellent

Note: Only one canister allowed per person.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes**

Lip gels and lip balms

Note: Solid lipsticks in carry-on baggage are not subject to the size/volume restrictions.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Liquid lip glosses or other liquids for lips

Note: Solid lipsticks in carry-on baggage are not subject to the size/volume restrictions.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Liquid bubble bath (whether gel or liquid)
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Liquid foundations

Note: Solid powder foundations in carry-on baggage are not subject to the size/volume restrictions.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Liquid sanitizers
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Liquid soaps

Note: Solid soaps in carry-on baggage are not subject to the size/volume restrictions.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Liquid mascara

Note: Solid cake mascara in carry-on baggage is not subject to the size/volume restrictions.

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Make-up removers or facial cleansers
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Mouthwash
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Nail clippers
Yes
Yes
Nail files
Yes
Yes
Nail polish and nail polish removers
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Non-prescription medication, including liquids and gels such as cough syrup and gel cap type pills, decongestant spray, gel-based nutritional homeopathic products, etc.
Yes*
Yes
Medicine containing alcohol, including rubbing alcohol
Yes*
Yes***
Perfume, cologne
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes**
Safety razors, including disposable razors
Yes
Yes
Straight razors
No
Yes
Razor blades (in cartridge)
Yes
Yes
Razor blades (not in cartridge)
No
Yes
Saline solution and contact lens solution
Yes*
Yes

Shampoos and conditioners

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Stain removers (e.g., Tide to Go)
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Toothpaste

Note: Tooth powder in carry-on baggage is not subject to the size/volume restrictions.

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Tweezers
Yes
Yes

Snow globes

Note: Snow globes and like decorations are permitted in carry-on baggage so long as they fit comfortably in 1 clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart).

Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
* Note: These items are considered to be essential non-prescription medications. You are allowed to carry volumes greater than 100 ml (3.4 oz.) in your carry-on baggage. These liquids must be declared to the Screening Officer separately. See our information on liquids for more details.

** Note: Maximum limit of 500 ml or 500 g per container, with a total net quantity not to exceed 2 L or 2 kg per person for all of person's carry-on and checked baggage for all such items.

** Note: Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.
*** Note: Passengers may transport alcohol in their baggage if the percentage of alcohol by volume is 70 per cent (140 proof) or less.
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FOOD AND DRINKS
Carry-On
Checked
Solid foods such as sandwiches, meats, fruits, vegetables, cakes, cookies, crackers, chips, cheese, nuts, granola bars and hard candies are not subject to volume restrictions.
Yes
Yes
Beverages (including water) brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz.).
No
Yes
Beverages (including water) brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container and in a 1 litre, resealable plastic bag.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Beverages purchased after security screening
Yes
Yes

Baby formula and food, juice, water, breast milk and other baby items – These are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be travelling with an infant under two years of age (0-24 months). All items including formula or breast milk must be presented to the Screening Officer and will be inspected.

Note: Gel or ice packs are subject to the liquid restrictions. We recommend that passengers freeze a bottle of milk or formula or carry a small bag of frozen solid vegetables (peas, for instance) to keep their baby products cool.
Yes
Yes
Canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, jellies, Cheese Whiz, condiments, maple spread, chocolate spread, honey and maple syrup.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Cheese in pressurized containers
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Duty-free alcohol and other liquid duty-free items

Note: Please see our section on Duty-Free Items.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Gel-based sports supplements
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Gelatins (or gel-like food substances)
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Pudding
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Whipped cream
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Yogurt
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of food items. Compare the food item you want to carry to the items on the list. When in doubt, pack the item in your checked baggage.
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MEDICAL ITEMS
Carry-On
Checked

Prescription medication

Note: Liquid prescription medications are exempted from the liquid restrictions and can be carried in carry-on baggage in volumes larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz.). These liquids must be declared to the Screening Officer separately. Ensure the medication is properly labelled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label) and displays a matching name with the name printed on the passenger's ticket/boarding pass.
Yes
Yes
Essential non-prescription medication, including liquids and gels such as cough syrup and gel cap type pills, decongestant spray, gel-based nutritional homeopathic products, etc.
Yes
Yes

Gel packs and ice packs

Note: Gel and ice packs are subject to the liquid restrictions. They are exempt from the restrictions on liquids when used to refrigerate medication, as long as it states on the label of the medication that it needs to be refrigerated or the passenger has a doctor's or pharmacist’s note.
Yes
100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container
Yes

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device

Note: The distilled water used by this device is exempted from the liquid restrictions. We recommend that passengers carry supporting documentation from their doctor to facilitate pre-board screening.
Yes
Yes
Oxygen cylinders, including chemical oxygen generators and liquid oxygen
No
No

Small gaseous oxygen or air cylinders for medical use

Note: Passenger must show to the Screening Officer the air carrier's approval.
Yes*
Yes

Personal oxygen concentrators

Note: Passenger must show to the Screening Officer the air carrier's approval.

Yes*
Yes*
Medical kits carried by health care professionals, if the medical kit does not include sharp or cutting instruments and if the name and medical licence of the health care professional or his or her name and company identification are provided.
Yes
Yes
Syringes, hypodermic needles and biojectors for personal medical use, if the needle guard is in place, and the person possesses medication that is to be administered by means of the syringe or needle and biojectors, and if that is in a container that bears the name of the medication and the name of either the pharmacy that dispensed the medication or the manufacturer of the medication.
Yes
Yes

Batteries for wheelchairs and other battery-powered mobility aids (personal)

Note: Passenger must show to the Screening Officer the air carrier's approval.
Yes*
Yes*
Medical or clinical thermometer (one small medical or clinical thermometer that contains mercury, for personal use, when in a protective case).
Yes
Yes

Medical defibrillators

Note: Passenger must show to the Screening Officer the air carrier's approval.

Yes*
Yes*
Small cylinders of a gas of Division 2.2 of TDG Act (Transportation of Dangerous Goods), (e.g., carbon dioxide, azote, compressed air, etc.) worn for the operation of mechanical limbs and spare cylinders of similar size required to ensure an adequate supply during travel.
Yes
Yes
* Note: Air carriers may permit provided certain conditions are met.
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ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Carry-On
Checked
Camcorders*
Yes
Yes
Cameras and digital cameras*
Yes
Yes

Camera equipment*

Note: We recommend that you put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand inspection.
Yes
Yes
Laptop computers*
Yes
Yes
Mobile phones*
Yes
Yes
MP3 players, Walkmans and portable CD and DVD players*
Yes
Yes
Pagers*
Yes
Yes
Personal Data Assistants (PDAs)*
Yes
Yes
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices*
Yes
Yes
Spare batteries for consumer electronic devices containing lithium or lithium cells or batteries when carried for personal use. They must be individually protected and each spare battery must not exceed:
- for lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, a lithium content of 2 g; or
- for lithium ion batteries, an aggregate equivalent lithium content of 8 g.**
Yes
No
* Note: We recommend keeping fragile or expensive items with you in your carry-on baggage. Check with your air carrier for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic devices during your flight.
** Note: Lithium ion batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of more than 8 g but not more than 25 g may be carried in carry-on baggage if they are individually protected so as to prevent short circuits and are limited to two spare batteries per person.
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TOOLS, KNIVES AND SCISSORS
Carry-On
Checked
Belt buckle knives (Constant Companion)
No
No
Box cutters
No
Yes
Bolt cutters
No
Yes
Any knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity, by centrifugal force, or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (butterfly knives, switchblades, etc.)
No
No

Cigar cutters without removable blades

Note: If the blade is removable, the cutter is only allowed in checked baggage.
Yes
Yes
Comb knives
No
No
Concealed knives of any length
No
No
Decorative pins (e.g., military medals, brooches)
Yes
Yes
Hatchets
No
Yes
Hunting knives
No
Yes
Ice axes
No
Yes
Jackknife (e.g., Swiss Army knife)
No
Yes
Multi-tools (e.g., Leatherman)
No
Yes
Lipstick knives
No
No
Knives and knife-like objects of any length
No
Yes
Meat cleavers
No
Yes
Penknives
No
No
Push daggers
No
No
Switchblade knives
No
No
Throwing knives
No
No

Tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, drills, saws, crowbars and heavy tools

Note: Tool boxes containing dangerous goods such as explosives (power rivets), compressed gas or aerosols, flammable gases (butane cylinders or torches), flammable adhesives or paints, corrosive liquids, etc.) are not permitted to be transported in passengers' carry-on or checked baggage.
No
Yes
Tiny tools (e.g., found in eyeglass repair kits)
Yes
Yes
Tweezers
Yes
Yes
Scissors with pointed tips
No
Yes
Scissors with blunt tips
Yes
Yes
Small objects shaped like guns or handcuffs (e.g., pendants, charms)
Yes
Yes
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INCAPACITATING SPRAYS, LIQUIDS OR POWDERS
Carry-On
Checked
Disabling chemicals and gases
No
No
Mace
No
No
Pepper spray (including animal repellents)
No
No
Tear gas
No
No
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RESTRAINING DEVICES
Carry-On
Checked
Duct tape, guitar strings, mini key chain handcuffs and shoelaces
Yes
Yes
Restraining devices such as handcuffs, plastic tie wraps designed to be used as restraining devices (e.g., flex cuffs), straitjackets, and other actual restraining devices
No
Yes
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PENETRATING OBJECTS
Carry-On
Checked
Corkscrews (without attached knife)
Yes
Yes
Meat thermometers
No
Yes
Household forks and spoons (plastic and metal)
Yes
Yes
Knitting needles and crochet hooks
Yes
Yes
Pins for attaching medals and pins on brooch
Yes
Yes
Sewing kits containing small sewing needles
Yes
Yes
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FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Carry-On
Checked

Ammunition (including bullets, cartridges, bullet casings and any item resembling any type of ammunition or component thereof)

No
Yes*

Firearms

Note: Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the air carrier at check-in.
No
Yes*
Toy weapons (e.g., water guns, squirt guns), including toy transformer robots that form toy guns.
No
Yes

* Note: Firearms, real ammunition and cartridges are not permitted in carry-on baggage under any circumstances. Certain items may be transported in checked baggage if properly packaged and approved by the air carrier. All firearms, ammunition and cartridges must be declared to the air carrier during the check-in process. For more details on how to transport these items in your checked baggage, please contact your air carrier.

Passengers may also contact the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 for more information.
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MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS
Carry-On
Checked
Billy clubs and blackjacks
No
Yes
Bladed or spiked finger rings
No
No
Brass knuckles
No
No
Spiked collars or wristbands or any similar device
No
No
Kiyoga batons, steel cobras, telescopic batons and similar devices
No
No
Kubasaunt/Kubotan
No
Yes
Kubasaunt/Kubotan (with concealed knife)
No
No
Manrikigusari or kusari (handgrips/weights with chain)
No
No
Morning stars
No
No
Numchucks
No
No
Nunchaku sticks
No
No
Shuriken (throwing stars).
No
No
Yaqua blowguns
No
No
Other, similar martial arts weapons
No
No
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OTHER WEAPONS
Carry-On
Checked

Arrows and darts used in crossbows

No
Yes
Axes
No
Yes
Gun-shaped belt buckle
No
Yes
Blowguns
No
No
Crossbows
No
Yes
Crossbows designed or altered to be aimed and fired by one hand
No
No
Electric stun guns (except medical defibrillators)
No
No*

Catapults

No
No*
Pick-in-handle umbrellas
No
No*
Replica weapons
No
Yes
Items that look like weapons but are not weapons (e.g., perfume bottles shaped like a grenade)
No
Yes
Slingshots and catapults
No
No*
Shocking devices such as electric stun guns and animal prods
No
No
Sword canes
No
No*
* Note: May be permitted in checked bags if approved by air carrier.
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EXPLOSIVES AND IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
Carry-On
Checked
Fake ammunition, including belts made with fake bullets and bullet key chains
No
Yes

Black and smokeless powders

No
No

Bombs (pipe, mortar, etc.), including replicas

No
No

Detonators (electric and non-electric)

No
No

Distress flares

No
No

Dynamite

No
No
Fireworks
No
No
Hand grenades (including replicas)
No
No
Incendiary projectiles, blasting caps, exploding projectiles and party crackers
No
No
Molotov cocktails
No
No
Nitroglycerin
No
No
Plastic explosives (C4, SEMTEX, TNT, sheet explosives, etc.)
No
No
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SPORTING EQUIPMENT
Carry-On
Checked

Arrows and darts for archery (sport use)

No
Yes
Billiard cues
No
Yes
Bowling balls
No
Yes
Golf clubs
No
Yes
Hockey sticks
No
Yes
Hunting knives
No
Yes
Ice axes
No
Yes
Ice picks
No
Yes
Ice skates
No
Yes
Lacrosse sticks
No
Yes
Lawn darts
No
Yes
Miniature sports equipment (such as souvenir hockey sticks)
Yes
Yes
Sabres
No
Yes
Scuba knives
No
Yes
Ski poles
No
Yes
Sport bats (such as baseball and cricket bats)
No
Yes
Swords
No
Yes
Fishing poles (no hooks)
Yes*
Yes
Paintball gun
No
Yes**
Parachute
Yes*
Yes*
Scuba tanks
No
Yes**
Skateboards
Yes*
Yes
Sports racquets
Yes*
Yes
Whips
Yes*
Yes

* Note: Air carriers may permit provided certain conditions are met.
** Note: Air carriers may permit provided certain conditions are met and container is empty.

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CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Carry-On
Checked

Camping axes/hunting knives

No
Yes
Propane, butane cylinders
No
No
Flammable liquids (kerosene, white gas, naphthalene, diesel fuel, etc.)
No
No

Lighting gel or solid fuel

No
No

Equipment designed to contain a flammable liquid (stoves, lanterns and canisters)

Note: Your air carrier may agree to transport empty equipment that has never contained a flammable liquid or has previously contained a flammable liquid if specified and adequate measures have been taken to nullify any hazard. Contact your air carrier for specific instructions on the nullification of dangerous goods hazards.
No
No
Equipment containing a flammable liquid (internal combustion engines, etc.)
No
No
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HEAT-PRODUCING ARTICLES/LIGHTERS/FLAMMABLES
Carry-On
Checked

Underwater diving lamps

Yes*
No

Soldering irons

Note: The heat-producing component, or the energy source, must be removed so as to prevent unintentional functioning during transport.
Yes*
No
Oxygen generators
No
No
Gun lighters
No
No
Lighter fuel and refills
No
No
Lighters shaped like guns or grenades
No
No
Strike-anywhere matches
No
No
One disposable lighter (e.g., non-refillable Bic type) intended for personal use; must be carried in the plastic bag (like liquids). A maximum of one lighter per person is allowed.
Yes
No
One book of safety matches intended for personal use when carried on the person (e.g., in pocket or purse)
Yes
No
One Zippo lighter, when carried in the plastic bag
Yes
No
Lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel
No
No
Flammable aerosols that are not toiletry items (e.g., Static Guard, aerosol laundry starch)
No
No
Gas refills
No
No
Gas torches
No
No
Insecticides (except those to be used by crew members for disinfection purposes)
No
No
Liquids marked as flammable (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid and turpentine)
No
No

Paint (including enamel, lacquer, liquid filler, paint thinner, stain, shellac, varnish and liquid lacquer base, solvent-based paint, spray paint)

Note: Watercolour paint is permitted.
No
No
Piñatas
No
No**
Quick lighting charcoal tablets
No
No
Torch lighters
No
No

* Note: Air carriers may permit provided certain conditions are met.

** Note: Check with your air carrier to see if this item is permitted.

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OTHER DANGEROUS GOODS
Carry-On
Checked

Fire extinguishers

No
No

Mercury barometers or thermometers carried by a representative from a government weather bureau or similar official agency

Yes*
No

Dry ice

Note:Dry ice may be in transported, with the approval of the air carrier, in carry-on baggage or in checked baggage. Quantities must not exceed 2.5 kg per person and the package must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. When carried in checked baggage, each package must be marked – “DRY ICE” or “Carbon Dioxide Solid” and must indicate that the net weight is 2.5 kg or less
Yes*
Yes*
Caustic materials such as liquid bleach and chlorine
No
No
Gas cylinders (for parachutes)
No
No
Compressed gases
No
No
* Note: Air carriers may permit provided certain conditions are met.

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CONTRABAND
Carry-On
Checked

Contraband (intoxicants, money in excess of prescribed limits and illegal items of any nature)

No
No

Bows and arrows for sporting use are not permitted in carry-on baggage under any circumstances. They may be transported in checked baggage as long as all sharp objects are securely wrapped to prevent Screening Officers and baggage handlers from injury.

Skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices are permitted as carry-on or as checked baggage. Parachute-related equipment, such a gas cylinders, are classified under dangerous goods, thereby prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. More importantly, parachutes are also subject to the general restrictions on size and weight (i.e. whether they can be safety stowed as carry-on) and the restriction on the number of pieces of carry-on. Please contact your air carrier for more information.

List of airports with US Pre-Clearance operations:

  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Halifax
  • Montreal
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Winnipeg

Dangerous articles/sharp objects: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Dangerous Goods: Many common items may seem harmless, but due to their physical and chemical properties, can be very dangerous when transported by air. As a general rule passengers are not permitted to transport dangerous goods on board an aircraft in their carry-on or checked baggage. For more information, please visit the Transport Canada Website.

Hunting equipment, including knives, hunting rifles and bows and arrows for sporting use, is not permitted in carry-on baggage under any circumstances, but may be transported in checked baggage as long as all sharp objects are securely wrapped to prevent Screening Officers and baggage handlers from injury and guns are unloaded and securely locked and have been declared at the air carrier check-in counter.