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Pack smart for a smooth trip

Not sure where to put your souvenir bottle of maple syrup?

Follow these baggage guidelines to know what you can check or carry onto your flight.

Carry-on baggage

Transport Canada permits 2 pieces of carry-on baggage per passenger. Always contact your airline to confirm the number and size of carry-on bags permitted.

What can I carry on?

You can bring 100mL or less of liquids, aerosols and/or gels providing they are in containers less than 100 ml in size.

This means your bottles of Canadian rye whiskey and maple syrup should be checked in your baggage (unless you buy them at Duty Free past security).

All liquid containers must fit into a clear 1-litre plastic bag. One bag per person. See the lists for specific items you might travel with.

These items are permitted in containers up to 100 ml:

  • Lipstick, balm, gel or gloss
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Disposable lighters (e.g. non-refillable Bic type) and Zippo lighters are permitted (with carry-on baggage and not checked baggage). Lighters must be intended for personal use. A maximum of 1 lighter per person is allowed.

Some general exemptions apply for medicines/medical products and baby products. You are permitted to bring these items in your carry-on:

  • Liquid and gel-based prescription medications
  • Essential non-prescription medicine, such as cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solutions & eye drops
  • Baby formula, food, water and juice for passengers travelling with children who are two years old or younger. Passengers travelling with or without their child may bring breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml. You may bring gel or ice packs to keep your baby products cool.
  • Small purses no bigger than 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm (10 in. x 12 in. x 5.5 in.)
  • Cases containing only camera (still or video)
  • Medication or medical equipment (oxygen tank, doctor’s bag)
  • Coats and outer garments
  • Crutches
  • Canes
  • Walkers
  • Containers carrying life-sustaining items
  • Special needs items
  • Diplomatic or consular bags
  • Strollers and child restraint systems
  • All duty free items purchased after the security check

Checked baggage

Your baggage will be checked in at your airline check in counter.

Please contact your airline to confirm the number and size of bags permitted on your flight.

This information is for reference only. Always confirm details about flying with firearms with your airline in advance.

Firearms, ammunition and cartridges are not permitted in carry-on baggage under any circumstances.

Only passengers age 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage.

If you are travelling with a firearm, arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for your flight. Firearms, ammunition or cartridges must be declared and declaration forms completed during the check-in process.

Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST:

  • Be unloaded
  • Be packed in a locked, hard-sided, non-transparent case that cannot be easily broken during transport. Ammunition must be packed in a separate case. One declaration form must be completed for each case.
  • Be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (such as a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed.

For more information:

Travel outside Canada: It is your sole responsibility to ensure you are in compliance with the firearm and ammunition regulations of each country on your itinerary.

Packing tips

A few more tips to pack like a pro:

  • Valuable personal items such as electronics, wallets and keys should be packed in your carry-on bag
  • Do not wrap or package gifts, to allow easier inspections by security personnel
  • Ensure you can easily remove your laptop computer, tablets, cameras and other electrical devices from your carry-on
  • Fewer carry-on items speeds the screening process for everyone

Prohibited items

Forgot to pack your beloved bottle of maple syrup in your checked bags?

Here’s what to do if you get caught with items that are not permitted through security:

  • Leave the item in your car or give it to a friend or relative who is not travelling
  • Send it via courier to your home or destination
  • Abandon the item at the checkpoint. The item may be donated to charity or disposed of