This holiday season, 'Pack Smart' and enjoy a stress-free Airport Security experience at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo International Airport and The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) want to remind passengers to pack smart when travelling during the upcoming holiday season.

"We want to ensure that air travellers have a positive and secure travel experience this holiday season," said Kevin McGarr, CATSA President and CEO. "Getting the balance right between security and customer service is our priority."

As they prepare for their trip, passengers should keep security in mind.  Delays at security checkpoints are often caused by passengers bringing items that are not permitted in their carry-on luggage.   

Through its Pack Smart campaign, CATSA offers air travellers a number of tools so they can come to the airport better prepared. These tools include: a mobile website, a Prep & Fly tool and a strong online presence on travel industry websites.   CATSA is working with its partners to provide an airport experience that is respectful, efficient and secure. Whether travelling for business or personal reasons, Screening Officers will make every effort possible to ensure that the security screening process is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 
Tips for Holiday Travelling

• Avoid over-packing! Always Pack Smart
• Travelling with children: Our security checkpoints at the major airports offer a Family/Special Needs security lane.
• Gifts, Toys and Batteries: Please do not wrap gifts. Their contents may need to be inspected. Toy weapons must be packed in your checked baggage. Check our website for more information on batteries.
• Liquids: Pack liquids and aerosols, such as sunscreen, hair gel and perfume, in your checked baggage. Liquid items are only allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in containers with a capacity of 100 ml or less. The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. One bag per person is allowed.
• Cameras, Computers and Electronic Devices: Electronics items such as cell phones, smart phones, digital cameras, digital video cameras, PDAs, iPods, portable media players, film cameras, and netbooks remain in the carry-on baggage.  To minimize time spent at the screening point, remove portable computer from their carrying case and place them in a tray. Electronic devices may be screened by special screening equipment.
• Food Products: Remember that certain food products such as maple syrup, jam, jellies and spread are considered liquids. The liquids, gels and aerosols restrictions apply.
• Dress for Travel: Avoid wearing jewellery or other metal objects that could trigger alarms and delay your trip. Remember, if you set off the alarm while walking through the metal detector you will have to undergo further screening to determine its source. This may include hand "wanding" and/or a physical search.
• Give yourself plenty of time - Go through pre-board screening well in advance of your flight especially during peak travel periods (early morning, noon, and early evening)

It is important to remember that all passengers have to go through airport security screening. Common courtesy and patience go a long way in making the process less stressful and more efficient for everybody.   For further information about 'packing smart' or permitted and non-permitted items, please visit www.catsa.gc.ca.

Take the hassle out of your next vacation and choose your local alternative! The Region of Waterloo International Airport is easy to navigate with modern amenities including free high-speed wireless internet, complimentary baggage carts and on site car rentals. No traffic jams or lost vehicles, just convenient and friendly air service.  Next time you need to fly, remember to look before you book, and fly from home!

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is owned and operated by the Region of Waterloo. Year-round daily scheduled  AIR service is provided by: WestJet, offering daily non-stop flights to Calgary with connections to other great Canadian cities; and Bearskin Airlines, offering daily flights to Ottawa with connections to North-Eastern Ontario.  Weekly non-stop service is provided by Sunwing Airlines from December 15, 2010 through March. For more information contact your local travel agent, visit www.waterlooairport.ca or call 519-648-2256, toll free 1-866-648-2256.     

 The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) established on April 1, 2002, is a federal Crown corporation that operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is responsible for the provision of key aviation security services such as pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; random screening of non-passengers; and the acquisition, deployment and maintenance of explosives detection equipment at airports. CATSA is also responsible for the development and implementation of a restricted area identity card incorporating biometric features. Visit www.catsa.gc.ca or call 1-888-294-2202 to learn how to Pack Smart or use the Prep & Fly travel planner.