Your sunny destination security guide

 

Picture this: you’re at airport security, flip‑flops clipped to your backpack and sunglasses already on your head. You can almost feel the warm breeze – but first, airport security screening.

A little preparation goes a long way. These sun‑bound security tips will help you glide through the checkpoint and start your vacation sooner.

Liquids, aerosols and gels: What you need to know

Before you toss sunscreen into your carry‑on, check the size. Anything over 100 ml can’t go through security.

• Carry‑on rule: liquids, aerosols and gels must be 100 ml or less and fit into one 1L clear resealable bag.

Travel‑sized sunscreen is perfect for carry‑on. Full‑size bottles are welcome in checked baggage.

A quick check now saves you from delays at the checkpoint.

Sunny Snacks: What flies and what doesn’t

Snacks make travel easier – especially on long days.

• Allowed in carry‑on: Solid foods like chips, cookies, granola bars, fruit slices and sandwiches.
• Restricted to 100 ml or less: Foods that that can be spread or poured, such as yogurt, peanut butter, soup or salad dressing.

Keep in mind: some foods allowed through Canadian security may not be permitted into your destination country. Check local import rules before you go

Packing beach gear for smooth screening

Sunny getaways come with their own packing personality: snorkels, beach toys, inflatables and other colourful gear. Here’s what you need to know:

• Check beach umbrellas and surfboards with your luggage. Some larger items may need to be checked as oversized baggage depending on airline size limits.
• Snorkeling gear is allowed in your carry-on, but scuba tanks go in checked baggage and will require airline approval.
• Towels and floaties are permitted in carry-on, as well as small sand toys.

Travelling with batteries and electronics

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.

It’s best to keep all batteries and any devices containing batteries on you or packed in your carry-on baggage. See CATSA’s Guidelines for Batteries for more tips.

Duty‑free liquids when you’re connecting through Canadian airports

If you buy duty‑free liquids on your way home, and you have a connecting flight in Canada, you may need to go through security again. Your duty‑free liquids can come with you but only if they’re in a sealed, tamper‑evident bag with the itemized receipt visible inside.

Official security bags are clear, sealed bags with specific security markings (often a checkmark and arrow in a circle and a red border). If your bag doesn’t have these features, it won’t be accepted at screening.

How to bring medications through security with ease

If you take medication regularly, travelling doesn’t change that, but it can raise a few practical questions before you head to the airport.

Liquid medications at security

• Prescription and non-prescription liquid medication are not limited to 100 ml. You can bring the amount you need for your trip in your carry‑on.
• This includes items like inhalers, insulin, distilled water for CPAP machines, and emergency treatments such as EpiPens.
• Keep liquid medications easy to remove and present at the checkpoint if asked.

Solid medications made easy

• Tablets, capsules and most vitamins are not restricted and can be packed in your carry‑on.
• The only exception is inorganic powders or granular products (such as some mineral‑based supplements).
• These powders are limited to a total of 350 ml in your carry‑on.

Pack extra quantities in your checked baggage.

Final Call: A smoother, sunnier start

Spring travel can be busy, so give yourself plenty of time for check‑in, security and getting to your gate. Airlines recommend:

• 2 hours before a domestic flight
• 3 hours before an international or U.S. flight

Travelling to a sunny destination should feel exciting, not complicated. A little preparation and smart packing can help you breeze through security with ease.

If you’re ever unsure about what you can bring, check out our “What Can I Bring? Tool”.

Safe travel! And here’s to clear skies, smoother screening and warm destinations waiting for you on the other side of the checkpoint.

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