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.

How to Pack your Carry-on

Your carry-on baggage and bins will go through the X-ray machine so that a screening officer can examine their contents. Sometimes carry-on bags require an additional search if screening officers see items that aren’t permitted. 

  • If you are not sure what items are allowed in carry-on, check our What Can I Bring? list before you pack.
  • Ensure you can easily remove your laptop computer, video and film cameras from your carry-on.
  • Place personal toiletry items in a clear plastic bag. Only bring liquids, aerosols and gels that are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.  All these items must fit into one transparent, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1L (1 qt).
  • Certain powders and granular materials (e.g. baby powder, foot powder, some cooking powders and seasonings, sand) in your carry are limited to a total quantity of 350 ml or less.
  • Exempted liquids – like medication, baby formula or breast milk– should be packed so that they can easily be removed from carry-on baggage for inspection.
  • Avoid packing gifts and souvenirs containing liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on. These include: liquor, wine, beer, snowglobes, cans of condensed soup, maple syrup, perfume, and lotion. Put them in checked baggage or ship them separately.
  • Fragile items such as prescription eyewear and sunglasses, dishes, figurines and glassware should be properly packed inside of your carry-on bag so that you can ensure the item does not get broken.