Security Screening Wait Times

CATSA encourages all passengers to arrive at their departing airport well in advance of their flight. Many airlines advise passengers to arrive two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for US and international flights.

Be prepared for screening - LAGS

Be prepared for screening. Please ensure that all liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on baggage are in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, 1L resealable bag. Click here for more information about carry-on baggage requirements.

Permanent closure of CATSA’s mobile app

Please be advised that CATSA’s mobile app was permanently closed on March 29, 2023, following a value assessment review.

Head Coverings

Depending on your flight's destination, there are different screening procedures for head coverings.

Domestic and international flights:

  • You will be asked to remove a non-religious head covering and place it in a bin for X-ray screening.
  • If wearing a religious or cultural head covering, you may keep it on however any head covering that causes an alarm will require additional screening. If the alarm cannot be properly resolved, you may be required to remove your head covering in order for a physical search to be conducted. If a physical search is required, it can be conducted in a private search room at your request.

Flights to the United States:

  • You will not be asked to remove your head covering however additional screening of the head covering is required. If the alarm cannot be properly resolved, you may be required to remove your head covering in order for a physical search to be conducted.
  • If a physical search is required, it may be conducted in a private search room at your request.

Be sure to review our tips for a stress-free screening!

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