Travel season has started ....What you should know before start your Travel

Fly through the airport — in 8 easy steps Share this article: "It's easy to get frustrated at the airport when you're waiting in a long security check lineup — even more so when your bottle of water is intercepted or you have impatient little ones with you. But it doesn't have to be so bad," says Mathieu Larocque, spokersperson for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). "So much of getting through security faster is about packing smart and knowing what to expect." Follow Mr. Larocque's eight basic tips for speeding your way through airport security: 1. Only bring what you need onboard Fit everything in your checked luggage unless you need it to get on the plane and during your flight. You also want to have anything you need for when you immediately land. "More things are allowed in checked bags than carry-on," says Mr. Larocque. "Take the minimum onboard and chances are you'll get through security faster." Expert tip: Before you even pack, check your airline's website to find out the exact dimensions and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. 2. Get the facts about liquids, aerosols, and gels "You are allowed to bring onboard only as many 100 ml containers as can fit into a one-litre plastic bag," says Mr. Larocque. "It's important to note that we're talking about the size of the container, not the amount of product found within it." That means you can't bring an almost empty 250 ml bottle of water onboard. How large is a one-litre bag? CATSA estimates they're about 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 inches by 9 inches) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 inches by 7 inches). Tip for parents: If you're travelling with kids under the age of two, you have some leeway. Generally, you can bring as much baby food and beverage as you need for the duration of your flight. 3. Leave suspicious-looking items behind "Obviously, firearms and weapons are prohibited onboard," says Mr. Larocque. "But things that may simply look like a weapon (a toy gun or a belt buckle in the shape of a grenade, for example) or sharp items can look suspicious to a security officer — especially through an X-ray machine. This can slow down the screening." Tip for parents: Check your child's backpack and jacket to see if there's anything tucked into a pocket that may be not allowed. 4. Go through early Gone are the days when there's nothing to do after security check but sit and wait. Today you'll find shopping, food, and in some cases, entertainment once you pass through security. 5. Check for special screening lines Major airports in Canada have dedicated screening lanes for passengers with special needs, including families, and they are staffed with specially trained officers. That's a real bonus when you want to bring a stroller or car seat onboard the plane. 6. Be prepared for security Have your boarding pass ready for the officer to check. Put your jacket and laptop in bins and leave loose change, jewellery, pens, cell phone, and shoes (if you are asked to) in a bin to be X-rayed. 7. Plan to remove your shoes if needed "If you're flying to any U.S. destination, everyone must remove their shoes and put them through X-ray," Mr. Larocque says. "If you're flying within Canada or internationally, then only shoes that contain metal — like in the toe or heel — must be X-rayed." Not sure? Take them off rather than set off the metal detector. Tip for parents: This rule applies to kids as well. Simple slip-ons or Velcro closures may be your best option. 8. Know about secondary screenings "If you're picked for a secondary screening, you'll have a choice between a full body scanner or a physical search," says Mr. Larocque. "Unlike some of the controversial machines being used in some U.S. airports, the full body scanners we use in Canada emit a radio wave and Health Canada has assured us they're completely harmless." Tip for parents: If your child is chosen for a secondary screening and is under the age of 12, you will be asked to give your consent and must be present during the screening. If your child is 12 to 15 years old, you, a guardian, family member, or a person escorting them may be present for a private physical search. Would you like more detailed info about what you can and can't bring onboard? Use the interactive CATSA Pack smart online tool. This article is courtesy of TD Melochemonex.