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Security Requirements & Dangerous Goods

Prohibited items in carry-on baggage

For a detailed list of Transport Canada prohibited items (e.g. liquids, gels, etc.) in carry-on baggage please refer to the CATSA web site.

For specifications regarding the number, type, and packing of liquids and gels, click here (pdf file, 267 KB).

Canada's policy on prohibited items may vary from that of other countries. For restrictions departing from other countries, please consult the following web sites:

To/From United States:www.tsa.gov
To/From United Kingdom:www.baa.co.uk

Customers are advised that this list is not comprehensive, and are urged to check with their local airport operators before travelling.

Electronic “luggage locators” not allowed

Transport Canada has advised all airlines that the use of electronic “luggage locators” are not recommended on the exterior of any bag. Until further notice, customers will be required to remove the electronic devices from all bags prior to check-in. Customers can place the device on the inside of their checked or carry-on baggage or on their person. Transport Canada requested that airlines advise customers that the devices have not yet been approved by Transport Canada and must not be activated.

Locking of checked baggage

The US Transportation Security Administration has issued the following information to passengers arriving into the United States and connecting to other flights or continuing on the same flight.

For your security, the TSA is screening all checked baggage. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, the locks may have to be broken.

You may keep your bag locked if you choose, however, passengers who elect to lock their checked baggage must do so with the understanding that this process may result in damage to locks and/or baggage delays.

TSA and your airline are not liable for damage to locks resulting from this mandatory security measure. For more details visit the TSA website.

Damage to camera film

New security screening can damage your camera film. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority(CATSA) is deploying new screening equipment for checked baggage that will damage photographic film, but does not affect digital disks. The new checked baggage screening equipment is consistent with the types being deployed at airports in the U.S. and around the world. Passengers are advised to pack their film in carry-on baggage.

(The equipment used for carry-on baggage at pre-board screening areas will not damage film with an ISO/ASA under 800. However, multiple exposures of the same roll of film to a pre-board x-ray inspection may cause damage. Passengers may request a hand search at pre-board screening to avoid potential damage to film). For more details visit theCATSA website.

Lighters banned on all U.S. flights

All lighters are banned from sterile areas beyond security checkpoints at airports and onboard aircraft. This includes, for example, butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters.

The Department of Transportation classifies lighters as hazardous materials, and prohibits them from being stowed in checked baggage. TSA will dispose of lighters brought to checkpoints. Passengers at some airports may be able to ship them via a private company for a fee, but TSA strongly urges passengers to thoroughly inspect their carry-on and checked baggage for these items before going to the airport.

Although the TSA is considering adding matches to the prohibited items list, travellers are permitted up to four books of strike-on-cover matches on their person or in accessible property, until advised otherwise. Under DOT regulations, all matches are prohibited from carriage in checked baggage. For additional information, visit the TSA website.

Travelling to the U.K. ?

Travelling to the United Kingdom ? Check the rules before you take any food items with you.

It is against the law to bring any meat or dairy products into the UK from countries outside Europe . Restrictions also apply to many other food items, including fish, shellfish, eggs and honey as well as certain plants and vegetables.

Controls on food imports are essential to protect British livestock and agriculture from pests and disease not found in the UK - and may also protect your own health.

Check the rules athttp://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/illegali/default.htm before you travel and avoid severe delays, prosecution and fines on arrival in the UK .

Dangerous Goods

Batteries	The following are not accepted as carry-on or checked baggage: Wet cell batteries Lithium batteries shipped in bulk Exception: wet cell or gel type batteries for powered wheelchairs are accepted as checked baggage, but require special handling procedures. See our special services section .
Butane, curling irons, lighters	Curling irons containing hydrocarbon gas are accepted provided the safety cover is securely fitted and items remain limited to one (1) per passenger. Fuel refills for lighters or curling irons are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage. Lighters are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage, however one (1) lighter is allowed to be carried on one's person.
Compressed gas, cylinders (see also: Oxygen)	Camping gas, oxygen/propane/nitrogen cylinders, and fire extinguishers are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage. Exception: scuba tanks / oxygen tanks / paintball cylinders can be accepted in checked baggage provided the customer can demonstrate that the cylinder is either empty or contains less than 40.6 PSI (280 KPA) of non-flammable, non-toxic gas. Further exception: O2 cylinders for the operation of mechanical limbs are acceptable.
Corrosive items	Acids, alkalis, rust-preventing or removing compounds, sulfur dioxide solution, chemical kits and mercury are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Dry ice	Dry ice is often used in the packaging of perishable items (i.e. fish, seafood) to keep them cool. Items packed in dry ice can travel as either carry-on or checked baggage provided: the dry ice does not exceed 2 kg (4.4 LB). the box, carton or container is leak-proof and free of dents or holes. If you're travelling with dry ice you'll need to arrive at the airport at least one hour before your departure time. Should you decide to check the bag there's a declaration form to be filled out describing the contents of the package and the amount of dry ice in it. Note : Checked baggage connecting to other airlines is not permitted due to special handling requirements
Explosives	Any explosive device is strictly prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage. Items include: dynamite, plastic explosives, fireworks, signal flares, sparklers, blasting caps.
Firearms and ammunition	A one-way handling fee of $50CAD/$50USD applies for firearms on domestic itineraries (Intra Canada), for tickets purchased on/after November 30, 2006. Firearms There is a fixed handling charge for the carriage of firearms anywhere Air Canada flies: $50 CAD ($50 USD) plus applicable taxes for one-way travel. Canada to US and International itineraries booked prior to November 3rd, 2006 are exempt from the firearm handling fee. Hunting rifles and shotguns are accepted as checked baggage only, and must be unloaded. The firearm must be inhibited from being fired by using a secure, locking device mechanism on the weapon, called a "Trigger Lock". The firearm must be packaged in a specially designed, non-see through case that cannot be easily broken into during transport. Before Air Canada accepts the firearm you must sign a declaration form attesting that the gun is unloaded as well as a limited release form. Restricted firearms such as handguns require government documentation for transport. Consult the Canadian Firearm Center and/or Canada Customs for complete details. Ammunition Ammunition is only accepted in checked baggage and must be packaged separately from the firearm. Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 LB) per passenger. Only shells or cartridges are acceptable types of ammunition. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited. Ammunition must be packed securely in a strong container of wood, metal or fiberboard, plainly marked 'ammunition', or in the original inner carton. To avoid shock movement, the carton must be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.
Flammable items	Items not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage include: Petroleum spirits, oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, oils, wood alcohol, lighter or heating fuels, papier maché statues/piñatas, matches, charcoal briquettes, and any other ignitable article. Note : Safety matches or a lighter intended for use by an individual is permitted only when carried on the person.
Gasoline-powered equipment	Used fuel containers/tanks are not accepted as carry-on or as checked baggage. To transport used equipment contact your local Air Canada Cargo office. Lawn mowers, chain saws, grass trimmers, etc. For any item where the fuel tank is a permanent part of the equipment, only new products in the original unopened packaging can travel as baggage. Exception: Camping stoves. Air Canada accepts new camping stoves as checked baggage if they are unopened and in the original packaging. A used stove is allowed as checked baggage only if the fuel tank is detached or removed.
Oxydizing materials	Bleaching powder and peroxides are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Oxygen for medical purposes	Personal oxygen cylinders, oxygen generators, and liquid oxygen are not accepted as carry-on or checked baggage. The only acceptable source of medical oxygen for customers who require supplemental oxygen during flight is the Air Canada Medipak unit. Please seeour special services section .
Paint	Oil-based paint, lacquer, stains, shellac, and oils are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage. Exception: Tubes of oil-based paint used by artists are accepted provided the customer is in possession of the material safety data sheet confirming a non-hazard and provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placed in a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.
Poisons	Arsenic, cyanide, insecticide, pesticide/weed killer and any other types of poisonous substances are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Radioactive materials	Radium, plutonium and polonium are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Repellants	Dye witness spray, wild animal spray, mace and pepper spray are not accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.
Seafood (brine)	Brine spillage from fish and seafood is corrosive. Lobsters, mussels, oysters etc. must be packaged in leak proof containers and then be packed in plastic bags inside waxed cartons. Perishable items require that a limited release form be signed at check-in.
Security attaché cases	Suitcases installed with heat, smoke, gas or dye alarms are not accepted as carry-on or as checked baggage.
Toiletries (aerosols)	Toiletry/medicinal articles including hairspray, medicines containing alcohol, perfume, and cologne are only accepted provided the total capacity of such articles does not exceed 2 litres (2 kg / 75 fl. oz.) and the net capacity of each single item does not exceed 1 LB (0.5 kg / 18 fl. oz).

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