Security-Smart Packing: What You Can Bring in Your Carry-On

When you have a flight to catch, knowing what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on is one of the easiest ways to prepare for a smooth takeoff. When you understand the rules, you can pack with confidence, avoid last-minute surprises, and move through the security screening checkpoint with peace of mind.

Here’s a walkthrough of what you can bring, and what to expect when you reach security.

Allowed in carry-on

• Liquids, aerosols, and gels: Think of this as your in‑flight essentials kit. Maybe it’s your favourite hand cream for dry cabin air, travel‑sized toothpaste to brush on the go, or sanitizer you reach for after settling into your seat. If each container is 100 ml or less and everything fits into a 1 L clear, resealable bag that can be closed, you’re good to go. Keeping these items together makes screening quick and easy.
   
• Medication: Even though liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry‑on are normally limited to 100 ml, medication in any of these forms is exempt. Just let the screening officer know and place these items separately in the bin for inspection.
   
• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, and similar devices are permitted in your carry‑on. Depending on the checkpoint you’re travelling through, you may need to remove them from your carry-on for screening:
   
  • Regular (non‑CT) screening lines: remove large electronics, like your laptop, and place them in a bin.
  • CT X-Ray lines: electronics can stay in your bag; the technology is designed to screen them inside your carry‑on.

If you’re travelling with cameras or undeveloped film , you can ask that they bypass the x-ray and be manually inspected.

• Baby food, formula, milk, and breast milk: These items, along with ice or gel packs to keep them cold, are allowed in quantities greater than 100ml in your carry-on when you’re travelling with a child under the age of two. Breast milk is allowed even if you’re not travelling with your child. Screening officers will need to do additional screening, but these items are permitted and handled with care.
   
• Snacks: Sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, meats, hard cheese, muffins and other solid foods are allowed in your carry‑on. Bringing your own snacks can make a travel day feel a little easier. Just remember that what clears security in Canada may not be allowed at your destination if you are travelling internationally. Some countries have strict rules about bringing in fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy. If you are packing more food than you’ll eat during the flight, it’s worth checking your destination’s import rules before you go.

Not Sure About an Item? We’ve Got You.

If you’re wondering whether a specific item can go in your carry-on, our What Can I Bring? tool is the fastest way to find out. It will tell you:

• if the item is allowed;
• whether it belongs in carry-on or checked baggage; and
• any additional iconsiderations (e.g. size or volume restrictions; air carrier permission required)

If you can’t find your item in the search results, send us a message on social media or call 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free). We do our best to respond quickly, but we ask for up to 48 business hours to provide a response.