Spring Break Travel Guide: What You Need to Know for Smooth Airport Screening
Hey travellers, the weather’s getting warmer and Spring Break is around the corner! Whether you’re jetting off somewhere sunny or leaving for a quick weekend getaway, a little preparation goes a long way, especially at airport security. Think of this as your quick, friendly guide to getting through security screening with less stress and more vacation energy.
The 100 ml rule - your quick refresher
If you can pour, spread or spray it, it counts as a liquid or gel. That means:
- Containers must be 100 mL or less
- All liquids must fit in one clear 1L resealable bag
- Larger containers go in checked baggage
Family tip: Everyone gets their own 1L bag, so there’s room for each of you to bring your travel-sized sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials.
Keep your liquids bag easy to grab. If you’re in a regular (non‑CT) screening line, you’ll need to take it out of your carry‑on and place it in a bin for separate screening.
If you’re in a CT line, your liquids can stay in your bag. You’ll know you’re in one because the X‑ray machine looks a bit like a giant croissant. There will also be clear signage, and screening officers will let you know if anything needs to come out.
Exceptions?
Some items are exempt from the 100 ml liquid rule, which means you’re allowed to bring them in larger quantities in your carry-on and they don’t need to go in your 1L liquids bag, which frees up space for your other essentials.
Some of the most common exempted items include:
- Baby formula (when travelling with a child 24 months or younger) and breast milk
- Medication
- Ice or gel packs used to keep these exempted items cool
If you’re travelling with little ones or managing a medical condition, these exemptions can make packing a lot easier. Screening officers may ask you to present these items separately, so keep them accessible.
Bringing snacks through security
Spring Break is a busy travel season, and with more people moving through airports, lineups can be expected. Having a few snacks on hand can make the wait a lot easier, but not all foods are treated the same at security. Just like your personal items, food follows the same liquids rule.
How to tell if your snack counts as a liquid or gel
If it can be spread, poured, mashed, mixed in a sauce or pureed, it’s treated the same way as any other liquid or gel at security. That means things like peanut butter, yogurt, soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, chili or stew must follow the 100 ml rule.
What’s considered a solid
Most solid foods are good to go as long as they stay solid at room temperature. Think sandwiches, granola bars, crackers, apples… simple, no‑mess options that won’t slow you down at screening.
A quick reminder for your destination
If you’re bringing more food than you’ll eat on the flight, check your destination’s food import rules so nothing gets taken away when you land.
Electronics and toys made easy
Most electronics and toys fly through security with no issues; you just need to be prepared.
Laptops, tablets, handheld game consoles, smartphones, and headphones are all welcome in your carry-on. For the smoothest experience, keep them charged and easy to reach, since you might be asked to remove them or power them on during screening.
Staying organized
A smooth trip starts with a little planning. Use our “Travel checklist” to make sure everything important makes it into your bag. And if you’re unsure whether something belongs in your carry‑on or checked baggage, our “What Can I Bring? Tool” has you covered.
What can I bring?
Does your item go in your carry-on or
checked baggage?
My CATSA Travel Checklist
Answer a few quick questions and get a personalized packing list that meets airport security rules.
Safe travels and enjoy your trip!