It's summer, and if you're like me, you've been planning your vacation for a while. Although the weather here is absolutely perfect right now, there's something exciting about getting ready for a vacation. My favourite summer vacation destination in Greece, because of the beauty and the culture. There is nothing more breathtaking than the Mediterranean Sea! I also love going to Miami in the summer (and winter!) with my family because it's a short plane ride, the resorts are gorgeous, and the beach life is perfect.
I'm a last minute packer, and despite how often I travel, I always pack more shoes than I should–but if you don't plan accordingly, over-packing will be the least of your worries. Since we tend to be so focused on our destination, it's easy to forget about the journey, particularly security screening at the airport. The good news is that being prepared can help you breeze through the screening checkpoint, leaving you more time to shop, eat, or relax before your flight.
The first step is doing your homework so you know what goes in your carry-on (take it from me: pack your beauty essentials that aren't 100 ml or less in your checked luggage–I learned this the hard way!) and what goes in your checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some useful tools on its website, including a searchable "What can I bring" list that lets you know where to pack your items and what can and can't fly. It also has a travel-checklist generator and tips for all sorts of challenges, from what to do with large sports equipment and medical supplies to travelling with pets.
According to CATSA, one of the biggest hold-ups at security is having too many liquids, aerosols, and gels. I always have my water bottle taken away from me–maybe this time I'll finally remember not to bring it through security with me. Containers over 100 ml and 1 litre bags that are overstuffed with smaller containers (no seal, no deal) will need to be checked. As for that cup of coffee or water bottle I mentioned: if it's over 100 ml be prepared to chug!
There are some exceptions, like liquids for kids under two years old, and medication. You can check out more here. In all cases, the containers should be taken out of your carry-on and be ready to present to the screening officer for inspection.
Once you hit the front of the line, it helps to have your boarding pass ready to show the screening officer. You can also speed things up if you put loose change, keys, and small electronics (including your phone and tablets) in your carry-on so you can just drop them in the bin. If you're travelling with a laptop or other large electronic devices like gaming consoles or DVD players, you'll need to put them in a separate bin. For more information on what you can put in the bins at the checkpoint, you can find the information here.
If you're still wondering what to do with an item or want more information about security screening, send questions to CATSA on Twitter or Facebook.
Lastly, travel is all about being mobile, so you should definitely download CATSA's free mobile app. It's available on Android, iOS and Blackberry, and can help you with all this and more, including wait times for security at most major airports.
Here's a great little video with packing tips to make your travel time–and getting through airports–a breeze this summer.
Happy travels!
Disclaimer: I have been compensated by CATSA for this post. All views and opinions are my own.
I'm a last minute packer, and despite how often I travel, I always pack more shoes than I should–but if you don't plan accordingly, over-packing will be the least of your worries. Since we tend to be so focused on our destination, it's easy to forget about the journey, particularly security screening at the airport. The good news is that being prepared can help you breeze through the screening checkpoint, leaving you more time to shop, eat, or relax before your flight.
The first step is doing your homework so you know what goes in your carry-on (take it from me: pack your beauty essentials that aren't 100 ml or less in your checked luggage–I learned this the hard way!) and what goes in your checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some useful tools on its website, including a searchable "What can I bring" list that lets you know where to pack your items and what can and can't fly. It also has a travel-checklist generator and tips for all sorts of challenges, from what to do with large sports equipment and medical supplies to travelling with pets.
According to CATSA, one of the biggest hold-ups at security is having too many liquids, aerosols, and gels. I always have my water bottle taken away from me–maybe this time I'll finally remember not to bring it through security with me. Containers over 100 ml and 1 litre bags that are overstuffed with smaller containers (no seal, no deal) will need to be checked. As for that cup of coffee or water bottle I mentioned: if it's over 100 ml be prepared to chug!
There are some exceptions, like liquids for kids under two years old, and medication. You can check out more here. In all cases, the containers should be taken out of your carry-on and be ready to present to the screening officer for inspection.
Once you hit the front of the line, it helps to have your boarding pass ready to show the screening officer. You can also speed things up if you put loose change, keys, and small electronics (including your phone and tablets) in your carry-on so you can just drop them in the bin. If you're travelling with a laptop or other large electronic devices like gaming consoles or DVD players, you'll need to put them in a separate bin. For more information on what you can put in the bins at the checkpoint, you can find the information here.
If you're still wondering what to do with an item or want more information about security screening, send questions to CATSA on Twitter or Facebook.
Lastly, travel is all about being mobile, so you should definitely download CATSA's free mobile app. It's available on Android, iOS and Blackberry, and can help you with all this and more, including wait times for security at most major airports.
Here's a great little video with packing tips to make your travel time–and getting through airports–a breeze this summer.
Happy travels!
Disclaimer: I have been compensated by CATSA for this post. All views and opinions are my own.
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