Tips to get your family through airport security quickly this holiday season

OTTAWA, Dec. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Travelling with the family can be challenging, especially when you get to airport security. Following these tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will not only help bring the stress level down, but also get you through the checkpoint faster and easier.

Download CATSA's app
Go to CATSA's website (catsa.gc.ca) and download their "Breeze through security" mobile app. In addition to wait times, you'll find information on what you can and can't bring through security, and helpful tips about the screening process.

Ask CATSA
CATSA has staff that will answer your questions on Twitter (@catsa_gc), on the web (catsa.gc.ca) or on the phone [phone]) during business hours. If you prefer image-based information, CATAS has you covered with Pinterest (CATSAGC) and its YouTube Channel.  

Remember the 100ml rule
Put large containers of liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked baggage. Only amounts less than 100 ml, placed in a 1 L clear, re-sealable plastic bag, are permitted in your carry-on baggage. This includes beverages and non-solid food (e.g. yogurt, pudding and peanut butter). However, beverages and food for children under the age of two are exempt from these restrictions (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice and purees). Keep these items within reach as they need to be inspected separately.

Leave gifts unwrapped
If you're bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped in case their contents may need to be inspected. Some airports have gift-wrapping services located past security during the holiday season to help out busy travellers.

How to pack your electronics for airport security
Bringing your children's electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport. To save time, leave small electronic devices like tablets, e-books, cameras and handheld video games in in your carry-on baggage for screening. If you travel with large electronic items like laptops, DVD players, netbooks, notebooks or game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.) you need to remove them from your carry-on baggage and place them separately in a bin. Make sure there are no other items on top or underneath.

Choose easy-to-remove outerwear
Make sure the little ones are wearing easy-to-remove winter jackets, boots and hats. These items must be placed in bins for screening.

Look for the Family/Special Needs lane
If you need help at the checkpoint, look for the Family/Special Needs lane. It features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, like car seats and strollers, and screening officers who offer additional assistance.

Have your boarding passes ready
Remember to have all family members' boarding passes ready for inspection.

Bon voyage!

CATSA is a Crown corporation responsible for:

• Pre-board screening – the screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and their personal belongings;
• Hold-baggage screening – the screening of checked baggage;
• Non-passenger screening – the random screening of non-passengers; and
• Restricted Area Identity Card – the administration of access control to airport restricted areas through biometric identifiers.

SOURCE Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

Image with caption: "How to pack small electronics (CNW Group/Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161212_C6969_PHOTO_EN_835834.jpg

Image with caption: "Don’'t wrap presents (CNW Group/Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161212_C6969_PHOTO_EN_835836.jpg

Mathieu Larocque, Spokesperson, CATSA, 613-998-4527, [email protected]