Baggage

Here are some helpful hints to make sure that your luggage and its contents arrive at your destination in tiptop shape.

Please make sure to consult the Increased Security Directives implemented by North American and European authorities that override any Air Transat regulations.

Travel tips: checked baggage screening

• As of January 1, 2006, tighter security screening will be conducted on passengers' checked baggage.
• Passengers are urged to leave all of their checked baggage unlocked, to avoid the need to forcibly open bags that require further physical inspection.
• Passengers are advised to use cable or zip ties as an alternative to baggage locks.
• Checked baggage containing items that are prohibited on board an aircraft may be opened for further inspection.
• To ensure that your checked baggage does not contain prohibited items, please refer to the websites below.
• Your assistance will help us expedite the checked baggage screening process and will minimize the potential that your baggage will be delayed.
• For more information on how to pack for your next trip you may call the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at 1-888-294-2202.
• Information on prohibited items is available on the following websites:
  http://www.tc.gc.ca/air/menu.htm
  http://www.catsa.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.htm
  http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca

(Source: Transport Canada)

Type of luggage

For your checked baggage, use luggage with rollers or casters, making it easier to transport. Retractable rollers are better since they won't be pulled off. Use luggage with removable straps since straps can get caught on conveyor belts and break or damage your luggage. Make sure your luggage has a lock that doesn't dangle too much as it too is prone to catching and ripping.

Marking your luggage

Each piece of baggage must have a name tag with the passengers’ current address, contact phone number and an e-mail address if possible. Increasingly, cell phones can work anywhere in the world; so marking your luggage, cell phone number may be a good idea if you carry the phone with you. We also recommend that you insert personal identification (for example, a business card) inside your luggage and that you mark your travel dates on the tags.

General tips

• Passengers should not pack food or beverages in checked baggage.
• Footwear should be packed on top of other contents.
• Personal belongings should be stored in clear plastic bags to reduce chances of the screener having to handle them.
• Books should be spread out – don't stack them.
• All undeveloped film and disposable cameras should be in carry-on baggage as screening equipment will damage them.
• Gifts should not be wrapped.
• Scissors, pocket knives and sharp items must be packed in checked bags only.

Carry-on luggage

In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001 in the United States, Transport Canada introduced enhanced aviation security measures.

Current size limitations for carry-on luggage still apply:

• maximum size: 23 x 40 x 51 cm (9 x 16 x 20 in)
• maximum weight: 10 kg (22 lb.) in Economy Class and 15 kg (33 lb.) in Club Class

Restrictions also apply to the contents of carry-on luggage.

Articles accepted and prohibited as part of your carry-on baggage:

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has been appointed by the Canadian government to protect the public travelling by air transportation. To ensure that you have not packed any prohibited items, please consult their baggage checklist www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.htm or their web site www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.

Also, to accelerate the process at security check points, we recommend that you reduce the number and size of carry-on baggage. Make sure that your electronic devices are in good working order; for safety reasons, you may be called upon to use them. If you are carrying gifts, wait until you have arrived at your destination before wrapping them, as security personnel may request to inspect them.

Keeping items neat in your luggage

• Pack liquid items in less than full plastic bottles since they might freeze and expand when travelling through cold weather. Place the bottles in freezer bags with a seal to further protect your items.
• Pack shoes in shoe bags or old socks to keep dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.
• Bring along a plastic trash bag to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes.
• Replace any aerosol cans of hairspray, deodorant, and insect repellent with the non-aerosol kind.
• To keep your clothes smelling fresh while you travel, pack a sheet of fabric softener with your luggage.

Avoiding wrinkles

• Don't pack too many items in your bags.
• Pack clothing that's less likely to wrinkle.
• Button up shirts so they'll hang properly when you wear them.
• Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them. Keep clothes from creasing by wrapping them at a fold line.
• Use proper-sized luggage. In a bag that's too large, items will move around, making wrinkles and damage more likely.
• Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Avoid dry cleaner bags with printing on them since the ink can rub off and stain your clothes.
• When you arrive, unpack as soon as possible.
• Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to steam out wrinkles.

Carrying medication

• Carry medication in your carry-on bag since it's less likely to be lost than checked luggage. If your medication is temperature-sensitive, it is also less likely to be damaged in your carry-on bag.
• Carry your medication in their original containers to prevent security concerns.
• Keep a record of the generic names of your medication as brand names vary.
• Bring a letter from your physician stating you have a legal right to use your medication, especially if you're carrying large amounts.
• Make sure your medication is not classified as illegal where you're going.

Protecting your film by packing it in your carry-on baggage

New screening equipment requires camera film to be put in carry-on luggage. The best protection for your film is to buy it once you arrive and develop it there before you return. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has deployed and will continue to deploy new screening equipment for checked baggage at Canadian airports. This new equipment will damage camera film. Digital disks, however, will not be affected by this new equipment.

Passengers are advised to pack their film in their carry-on baggage. The equipment used at pre-board screening (PBS) areas will not damage film under 800 ISO/ASA. Most amateur photographers use film in the 100-400 ISO/ASA range. However, multiple exposures (more than 5 times) of the same roll of film to PBS x-ray inspection may cause damage. If passengers are concerned about their film, even when they have placed it in their carry-on baggage, they may request a hand search at the PBS area.

This new screening equipment is consistent with the types of equipment being deployed across the United States and around the world.

Passengers may call 1-888-294-2202 or consult the CATSA website at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca for more information. (Source: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).