Know before you go—the new rules for flying

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with the Honourable Stockwell Day,Minister of Public Safety, recently announced changes to the aviation security measures put in place on August 10, 2006 that will allow passengers to bring limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols with them when they travel, while maintaining a heightened level of security.

The enhanced security measures were introduced on August 10 after a plan to blow up several aircraft bound for North America from the U.K. was thwarted. It has been alleged that conspirators intended to use liquid explosives stored in seemingly innocuous containers to carry out their plans. “In recent weeks, the Government of Canada has been working closely with stakeholders in the aviation industry, as well as with international partners in the United States and Europe, in order to ensure the continued safety and security of Canadians and of the aviation system,” said Minister Cannon. “We now feel that some adjustments to the security measures put in place in August can be made. We are confident that these measures will maintain security while facilitating safe, efficient and convenient air travel.”

“While this move will reduce inconveniences for some passengers, our enforcement and intelligence agencies remain vigilant in the face of the threat of terrorism,” said Minister Day. “The Government of Canada is committed to keeping Canadians safe from the threat of terror and continues to work closely with our allies to guard against terrorism.”

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2006, the following security measures will be in effect until further notice: Passengers are permitted to bring liquids, gels and aerosols through security screening at Canadian airports provided that the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 90 ml / 90 grams (3 oz.) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). One bag per passenger will be permitted.

Passengers may continue to bring aboard baby formula, baby food or milk if a child aged two years or under is travelling.

Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines will continue to be permitted. To speed up the screening process, passengers should be prepared to present documentation supporting a medical condition, i.e., a doctor’s note. Baby formula, baby food and milk—when passengers are travelling with a child aged two years or under—as well as prescription medicine and essential non-prescription medicines are exempt from the container-size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items not in a bag or in containers over 90 ml / 90 grams (3 oz.) to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to additional screening. All passengers should carry liquids, gels and aerosols in the containers and plastic bag specified, or pack these items in their checked baggage, in order to minimize potential delays at the screening point. Passengers should place all liquids, gels and aerosols from their carry-on bags into the trays provided at the beginning of the screening process.

The sale of liquids, gels and aerosols at all retailers, both duty free and non-duty free, located within the sterile areas of Canadian airports, continues to be permitted where the airport has met additional security requirements for these items, which Toronto Pearson has. In addition, all passengers, including those travelling to the U.S., will be permitted to carry liquids, gels and aerosols purchased beyond the security screening point onboard the aircraft.

Passengers connecting through or departing from U.K. destinations should be aware that these items continue to be prohibited on flights departing the U.K.

For further information, please visit Transport Canada’s website at www.tc.gc.ca or the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at www.catsa.gc.ca. Travellers who have questions about packing their bags in preparation for a trip can also contact CATSA toll free at 1-888-294-2202.