The holidays are one of the busiest times of year at Canadian airports. With more people flying to see family and friends, security lines can look daunting. At CATSA, we want to help you move through screening with less stress and fewer surprises. A little preparation before you arrive can make all the difference.
Leave gifts unwrapped
We know you want to surprise loved ones with beautifully wrapped presents, but wrapped gifts can slow down screening. If an item requires inspection, officers may need to open it. Save yourself the hassle by using gift bags or waiting to wrap at your destination. Some airports even have gift-wrapping services after security.
Respect the 100 mL rule
When you’re packing liquids, aerosols, or gels in your carry‑on, each container must be 100 ml or less. All of them together need to fit inside one clear, resealable 1 L bag. This applies to toiletries, beverages, and even holiday food favourites like gravy or jam.
At some checkpoints, your items may pass through a CT scanner. If you’re in one of those lines, you can keep your liquids bag inside your carry‑on. At other checkpoints with standard X‑ray machines, you’ll need to take the bag out and place it in a bin for separate screening.
To make things easier, keep your liquids bag accessible so you can quickly remove it if asked. And remember, if the bag won’t close, it’s too full!
Arrive early
Airports are busier during the holidays, so give yourself extra time. Always plan to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international or U.S.-bound flight. That buffer helps you navigate unexpected delays.
Pack smart with food
Solid snacks, like cookies or granola bars, usually pass security without issue. Anything you can spread, pour or spray must follow the 100 ml rule. If you’re bringing holiday favourites like cranberry sauce or peanut butter, pack them in checked baggage or keep portions small. And if you’re travelling outside Canada, remember that foods permitted here may be restricted by the regulations of your destination country.
Make electronics easy
Electronics are a big part of modern travel, and how you pack them can make a difference at security.
At some checkpoints, you may pass through a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner. If you’re in one of those lines, you can keep your electronics inside your carry‑on bag. At other checkpoints with standard X‑ray machines, you’ll need to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag and place them in a bin for separate screening. To save time, pack them where they’re easy to access.
It’s also important that your devices can be powered on if requested. Screening officers may ask you to turn on a laptop or tablet to confirm it’s a functioning device. If a device cannot be powered on, it may not be permitted through security.
Batteries come with their own restrictions. Spare lithium batteries, power banks, and certain battery types must be carried in your carry‑on baggage only, not checked luggage. Terminals should be protected to prevent short‑circuiting. For full details, review our Guidelines for Batteries webpage.
Final tip
Small prep steps, unwrapped gifts, organized bags, and respecting liquid limits, make a big difference on busy holiday travel days. If you’re ever unsure about an item, use CATSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to check before you pack. With a little planning, you’ll spend less time in security and more time enjoying the holidays.
What can I bring?
Does your item go in your carry-on or checked baggage?