Holiday Travel Tips to Chase Away the Airport Blues

Image courtesy of Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Airports across the country will soon catapult into high gear as thousands of travellers start their holiday getaways. Whether you’re visiting friends and family or simply heading to a warmer climate, one holiday tradition is inevitable. You’ll have to pass through airport security.

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Santa Claus Gets Airport Security Pat Down

To make getting through the airport a painless experience, heed these tips supplied by The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) on Vancouver Island, WestJet and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

"We advise our passengers that Santa is utilizing his elves to keep a close eye on the terminal building and everyone in it," said Comox Valley Airport CEO Fred Bigelow. To avoid being added to the naughty list, YQQ suggests that passengers adhere to the following tips:

Resist the urge to grumble and arrive early

Check with your airline to determine what time you should arrive at the airport and give yourself some additional wiggle room because airports will be busy. Remember that WestJet and Air Canada close check-in 45 minutes before the flight.

If your three-year old can FaceTime with grandma, you can check in online

Checking in ahead of time increases your level of cheer and decreases the chance that you'll end up wrinkling your snazzy new Christmas outfit when you end up wedged into a middle seat.

Don't get hit with an unexpected expense to check a bag

If holiday shopping has left you pinching pennies, make sure your favourite reindeer sweater (and all other essentials) fit into a carry-on bag that complies with your airline's sizing requirements.

Leave the be-dazzled gift paper at home

Unless your holiday masterpiece is meant to be opened by our security screeners, it is best to leave it unwrapped.

Transport Canada doesn't change the rules just because it is Christmas

Liquids over 100 ml and sharp objects are not permitted in your carry-on under any circumstances. Make sure to pack the mulled wine and the candy cane cork screw in your checked luggage instead.

Photo I.D. is required no matter how embarrassing the photo is

Nobody likes their driver's license photo. Since it’s Christmas, the airport’s Customer Service Agents promise not to tease you about yours, but you'll still have to show it to get on board.

If your bag is too big, you can't carry it on

Santa won't try to jam his sack of toys in the overhead bin (he has a magic sleigh for that) and the same goes for the oversized suitcase you hoped nobody would notice.

Even Rudolph might not have guaranteed space in pet cargo

Make sure you check with your airline ahead of time to ensure you understand any requirements for travelling with a pet (yes, even super cute puppies with snowflake sweaters).

WestJet also encourages travellers to remember:

Eggnog expires. And so does ID

Ensure you have proper ID and documentation for all travellers, including children and infants. Transport Canada has changed ID requirements for domestic travel and expired ID can no longer be used for any flight. For international travel, each country on your itinerary may have different entrance requirements, including the physical condition of a passport, or extended validity of a passport beyond your intended departure date. Check national entry requirements with WestJet well before departure.

Inflight entertainment? There's an app for that.

WestJet's new inflight entertainment system, WestJet Connect, is available for laptops or through the WestJet app on smartphones and tablets. Download the app for free access to nearly 500 hours of movies and TV programs as well as three live TV channels. Not all of WestJet's aircraft are equipped with the new system, so pack some books, magazines, tablets or laptops loaded with entertainment as well as small games or toys for little travellers.

You've made your list, now check-in only once

WestJet offers three convenient self-serve check-in options: web, mobile and kiosk. The airline suggests checking in 24 hours before scheduled departure. Speed up your airport experience by paying baggage fees with a credit card when you use self-serve check-in.

This is the busiest travel period of the year, so plan to arrive early

Prepare for large crowds at the airport. WestJet suggests arriving at the airport no less than two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Guests on a delayed flight can use the revised departure time to determine what time they check in. Travellers should complete security, immigration and customs and be at their departure gate one hour before departure. Those who do not meet check-in, baggage drop, or boarding cut-off times may be denied travel.

Santa's got a brand-new carry-on bag

Carry-on baggage must meet WestJet's size requirements as listed on its website. Each guest is permitted one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item. Excess and oversized carry-on baggage may be checked in and subject to applicable baggage fees. Guests are encouraged to confirm checked and excess baggage allowances and fees, sporting equipment, restricted items and special items.

Lovely to look at, better to hold

Be sure to pack ID, wallets, purses, medication, mobile devices, keys, and valuable items such as cash, jewelry and electronics into carry-on baggage.

Security prefers rapping over wrapping

The airline suggests guests do not wrap gifts. Airport security may unwrap items in checked or carry-on baggage, causing delays at security. Pack wrapping paper in your checked luggage, and have a wrapping party on arrival at your destination.

Large pets, like reindeer, need a kennel over Christmas

WestJet does not accept kennels as checked baggage between Dec. 15 and Jan. 6, although certain small animals may be able to travel in the aircraft cabin; visit WestJet's website for details.

Pack your patience

Holiday travel can be stressful, but you can cope more easily by being prepared, leaving lots of time to travel to the airport, arriving early and taking things in stride. A little patience goes a long way to help make the journey stress-free.

More travel suggestions are available from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA):

Pack liquids, aerosols and gels properly

Only liquids, aerosols and gels that are 100ml or less are permitted in your carry-on. Place these items in a single 1L clear, re-sealable plastic bag so the screening officer can easily see the contents. Any containers over 100ml should be placed in your checked baggage.

Know the age restrictions for baby food

Beverages and food (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice, purées) for children under the age of two are exempted from the liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions. These items should be packed so that they can easily be removed from your carry-on baggage for inspection. 

Place duty-free items in a security-approved bag

If you have purchased any duty-free liquids, aerosols or gels (e.g. alcohol, perfume, cosmetics, hand cream), and you have a connection in a Canadian airport on your return trip, be sure that these items are packed in a sealed official security bag or placed into your checked baggage. 

Bring solid snacks for the family

While yogurt and peanut butter are no-nos, you can carry on solid food items, such as sandwiches, granola bars and fruit through security when travelling within Canada. You can also bring an empty refillable drink container to refill once you pass through the security checkpoint.

Have medications ready for inspection

Prescription and essential non-prescription medications (e.g. cough syrup, decongestant spray, contact lens solution) are allowed. You can bring them in quantities greater than 100 ml in your carry-on but must show these items to the screening officer for inspection.

Keep small electronics in your carry-on

Bringing your children's electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport. Small electronic items, including MP3 players, iPods and tablets can remain in your carry-on bag.

Dress comfortably

Make sure you and the little ones can easily remove any bulky outwear including winter jackets and boots with large buckles. These items must be placed in bins provided at the checkpoint for screening.

Use the Family/Special Needs lane

Check if the Family/Special Needs lane is available when you arrive at the checkpoint. It's designed to accommodate larger items (e.g. strollers, car seats) and is best for passengers needing more time or help at the checkpoint.

Have your boarding passes ready

Remember to have all family members' boarding passes ready to present to the screening officer for verification.

Video footage, courtesy CATSA: 

More travel advice can be found on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at http://www.catsa.gc.ca/travel-advice.

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