Family travel usually gets real the night before, with the luggage lined up by the door: a full backpack, snacks tucked into every side pocket, a comfort item making a first-time appearance. Someone checks whether the tablet is charged, and someone else confirms that everything needed for the morning is ready.
By the time you reach the airport, that early‑morning energy has kicked in. A bit of clarity about what comes next can make the whole experience feel steadier. Here’s what you need to know about security screening when travelling as a family.
Food and drinks
Snacks are essential to keeping travel day on track, especially with little travellers. Snacks keep energy up, fill time, and make early mornings and busier airports easier to manage. Most food is permitted through security screening.
Solid foods are the simplest items to travel with you in your carry-on, such as:
- Granola bars
- Muffins
- Crackers
- Sandwiches
- Trail Mix
- Chips
Items with a pourable, spreadable, or gel-like texture are treated as liquids or gels. If you’re packing these in your carry-on, they must be in containers of 100 mL or less, all fitting into a single resealable 1L plastic bag. These might include:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Soups
- Peanut butter
- Dressings
- Sauces
Drinks follow the same rules and belong in the same 1L plastic bag, so packing strategically is crucial so nothing gets left behind.
Larger containers are welcome to travel as well, but they belong in checked baggage. If you’re travelling internationally, it’s always a good idea to check your destination’s rules, as some countries may have restrictions on certain foods.
Pro travel tip: each family member can bring one 1L plastic bag in their carry-on. This includes both food items with a liquid or gel texture and hygiene essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
Baby formula, drinks, strollers and carriers
Travelling with a baby means a few extra essentials, and certain exemptions are allowed to ensure these items can travel with you.
Formula and drinks
If you’re travelling with an infant under two years old, baby food, breast milk, liquid formula, water, and juice can be brought in your carry-on in amounts greater than 100mL. These items don’t need to fit into the 1L liquids bag, but they will need to be taken out and presented for inspection at the checkpoint.
Baby powder is also allowed in your carry-on, up to a total of 350mL – about the size of a pop can. Larger quantities need to be packed in checked baggage.
Gel or ice packs may also be used to keep baby food or drinks cool.
Strollers and baby carriers
Strollers, car seats, and baby carriers are permitted through security screening, though they may need to be screened separately.
Certain strollers and carriers may be larger than what airlines allow as carry-on, so it’s a good idea to check with your airline in advance.
Pets
If you’re travelling with a pet, screening officers will guide you through the process when you arrive at the checkpoint.
During screening, you’ll be asked to:
- Remove your pet from its carrier so the empty carrier can be screened
- Take off any removable items such as jackets or accessories (collars and harnesses can stay on)
- Keep your pet close and under control throughout the process
The empty carrier and any items you remove will be screened separately.
Once your pet, the carrier, and any related items have been fully screened, you’ll place your pet back into the carrier and continue on your way.
Toys and electronics
Toys and screens often earn their place in a family carry-on. Certain items can bring comfort in a busy terminal, while a tablet or handheld game can turn travel time into quiet time. These items are welcome travel companions and usually move easily through airport security when packed with intention.
What can stay with your child:
- Items like stuffed animals, blankets, books, and small toys
These don’t need to be separated and can make the checkpoint feel more familiar, especially for young travellers. However, if a comfort item contains powders or granular materials – such as a weighted stuffed animal and blankets – the material inside is limited to a total of 350mL. Items with more than 350mL of powders or granular materials must travel in checked baggage.
Make sure that all electronic devices are charged up as you might be asked to power them on at the checkpoint. If you’re travelling with electronics that contain batteries, it’s also a good idea to review the battery rules so you know what belongs in your carry-on.
Tips for families
When travelling as a family, a few choices can make a big difference on travel day. Here’s a few quick tips:
- Arrive two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance of U.S. or international flights
- When you arrive at the checkpoint, check if the Family and Accessible Line is available.
- Keep bags organized and items easily accessible, especially those that may need to be removed.
- Keep loose items at a minimum, put them in your carry-on or checked baggage.
- If your child can walk steadily, they’ll walk through security on their own.
- Ask for help! Screening officers and facilitators are there to guide you.
Use CATSA tools before you go
If you have any questions about what you can or cannot bring through security, check out our "What Can I Bring" tool ahead of time.
Safe travels!