Travellers' FAQs

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Only a trained and certified screening officer will view the images. This screening officer is located in a separate room and cannot see you before, during or after the scanning process. In addition, all images are deleted as soon as they are reviewed by the screening officer. They cannot be printed, stored or sent to another location. The screening officer who assists you into and out of the scanner never sees the image the technology produces. Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has reviewed the technology and how it will be used, and is satisfied that all privacy safeguards have been put in place.

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The safety and security of all Canadians is of the utmost importance to our government. CATSA has conducted extensive testing of these units and determined that they are effective in offering an additional layer of security for those travelling by air from Canadian airports.

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Yes. This technology is used in over a dozen countries around the world.

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No. However, priority has been given to passengers travelling to the United States.

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Yes. Health Canada has assessed the technical information on this device and concluded that the radio frequency energy emitted by the device is well within Canada’s guidelines for safe human exposure.

For more information, please consult Health Canada.

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Passengers who undergo a full body scan will need to remove all outerwear (e.g. coats, sweaters, blazers, hats) and empty all pockets. They will then be asked to enter the scanning unit and stand with their feet apart and their arms raised above their head, fingertips touching.  Low-level radio frequency (RF) energy is then projected over and around the passenger’s body. The RF waves are reflected back from the body and from objects concealed on the body, producing a three-dimensional image that appears on a monitor in a separate location. The image is then analyzed by a trained and certified screening officer. The screening process can take up to a minute; the actual scan takes about five seconds.

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No. The scanners CATSA is deploying are not X-rays.

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Currently, 29 full-body scanners are deployed in Canadian airports. These are: Toronto Pearson (7 units), Vancouver (4 units), Montreal (4 units), Calgary (1 unit), Edmonton (2 units), Ottawa (2 units), Winnipeg (1 unit), Halifax (2 units), Moncton (1 unit), Kelowna (1 unit), Victoria (1 unit), Saskatoon (1 unit), Quebec City (1 unit), and London (1 unit).

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L-3 Security and Detection Systems is the manufacturer. L-3 has sold and deployed over 200 systems worldwide and their technology has been approved by the United States Transportation Security Administration. They are deployed in airports, border crossings, correctional facilities, court houses, military checkpoints and commercial applications.  This U.S.-based company was the only qualified supplier on the market at the time the scanners were purchased.

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Each unit costs approximately $250,000.

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Yes.

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CATSA is continuously looking at new technologies and new screening methods to ensure air travel in Canada is as secure as possible. One of the latest procedures involves passenger behaviour observation, where trained personnel watch for people at the airport who are acting suspiciously. CATSA is currently developing this program.

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Passengers with a prosthesis or ostomy pouch will not be required to carry a medical certificate or letter from a medical professional. However, to aid in the screening process, it may be helpful to let the screening officer know prior to the start of the scan

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Only people who can stand up and are able to raise their hands can be scanned. No wheelchairs, canes, strollers or other equipment are permitted in the unit.

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Yes. Health Canada has assessed the technical information on this device and concluded that the radio frequency energy emitted by the device is well within Canada’s guidelines for safe human exposure.

For more information, please consult Health Canada.

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Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.

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Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.

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Yes.  The low-level radio frequency (RF) energy used in the full body scanner is non-invasive.

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Non-permitted items are items that may not be brought past the security checkpoint as per Transport Canada regulations and may include such items as knives, sports bats and weapons, but may also include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as a threat to aviation security – such as liquids.

Prohibited items are weapons the possession of which is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. You are not allowed to have these items in your possession, regardless of whether you are going through a security checkpoint or not.

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A number of options may be available to you if this situation arises:

• If you have time before your flight, you may leave the pre-board screening checkpoint to consult with your air carrier to determine if the item can be safely placed in your checked baggage. Please note that you will need to be re-screened upon your return.
• You can leave the pre-board screening checkpoint to consult with an airport authority representative as certain airports offer a service which enables passengers to mail the item back to their home or office. Please note that you will need to be re-screened upon your return.
• You can leave the pre-board screening checkpoint to place the item in your vehicle or you can hand the item over to a family member or friend. Please note that you will need to be re-screened upon your return.
• You can choose to abandon the item (please note that it will not be returned to you).
• Finally, you can turn back from the screening checkpoint and not board your flight.

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Transport Canada permits a maximum of two carry-on bags per air traveller. Your air carrier may choose to further restrict the number and also size and weight of bags permitted. Please contact your air carrier for exact details.

All pieces of carry-on baggage must be able to pass through the X-ray equipment at the pre-board screening checkpoint. If an item is too large to go through the x-ray, the passenger will be advised to check the item with the air carrier.

For more information about quantity limits, please read our Carry-on baggage Web page.

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An item may have been taken out of your bag because it was not permitted in your checked baggage. If your bag was searched by a CATSA Screening Officer, a “Notification of Checked Baggage Inspection” form would have been placed inside. The search would have occurred in the presence of a witness from your air carrier.

If there was no “Notification of Checked Baggage Inspection” form in your baggage, a CATSA Screening Officer did not search it. In such cases, you should contact the air carrier for information.

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No. Any object that goes through a baggage x-ray machine does not become radioactive. The energies are far too low. Objects are perfectly safe to handle and food is safe to consume.

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The baggage x-ray machine will not affect any medications. The energies are far too low to have any effect on the medication.

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The energy of the radiation from CATSA’s x-ray machines is too low to cause noticeable effects on unprocessed camera film up to at least 800 ASA. However, multiple scans of unprocessed camera film could start to cause noticeable damage to the film.

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A study by the International Imaging Industry Association concluded that there does not appear to be a risk to digital memory cards with respect to erasure of files, loss of image data, or physical damage when going through the X-ray machine.

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Passengers will be permitted to bring liquids, aerosols and gels through security screening at Canadian airports provided the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). The approximate dimensions of a one litre/quart bag are 15 cm by 23 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 18 cm (8 in. by 7 in.). One bag per passenger will be permitted.

In order to minimize potential delays at the screening point, passengers must remove from their carry-on bag, the closed, re-sealable plastic bag containing all permitted liquids, aerosols, and gels and place them directly into the bins provided at the beginning of the screening process.

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Items subject to the restrictions include containers of soft drinks, juice, water, alcohol, shampoos, conditioners, mouthwashes, perfumes, colognes, liquid soaps, liquid/gel based hand sanitizers, all types of creams and lotions, toothpastes, hairsprays, liquid/gel based cosmetics such as mascara, liquid foundation, liquid eyeliner, gel blush and gel lip products, shaving gels/creams/aerosols and gel or aerosol based deodorants.

Food items such as yogurt, pudding, gelatin, jam, jelly, peanut butter, chocolate spreads, cheese spreads, maple spreads, maple syrup and aerosol cheese strings are also subject to the restrictions.

It is important to note that these lists are not exhaustive. For more detailed information, please check the permitted and non-permitted items list.

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Some articles are exempted from the 100 ml or 100 g (3.4 oz) limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items to the Screening Officer and additional screening may apply. The exceptions are as follows:

• If traveling with an infant under two years of age (0-24 months), baby food, milk, formula, water and juice in small containers and reasonable amounts for your itinerary.
• Prescription medicine, properly labelled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label) and with a name that matches the passenger's ticket/boarding pass;
• Liquids, aerosols or gels that are essential non-prescription medicines, such as homeopathic products, pain relieving medication, syrup, decongestant spray, gel-based nutritional supplements, saline solution or eye care products.
• Juice or gels for passengers who indicate a need for such items for diabetic or other medical conditions; and
• Gel packs for medicine requiring refrigeration, as long as the passenger provides a doctor's or pharmacist's note justifying the necessity and the name on the note matches the person's ticket/boarding pass.

To facilitate the screening process, passengers are encouraged to present documentation supporting a medical condition, e.g. a doctor's note.

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Solid food products are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. Examples of solid food products include meat, bread, fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, chips, cookies, cakes, muffins, granola bars, hard candies, cheese, nuts, crackers, chocolate bars and other similar food items.

If you are planning to bring food from a foreign country into Canada, you should check with your air carrier or Canada Border Services Agency’s website as some restrictions may apply.

If you plan to bring food products from Canada into another country, you should contact the appropriate foreign office accredited to Canada or the customs authority of the country of your destination.

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Personal toiletries are allowed in carry-on baggage if they comply with the liquid restrictions. Some restrictions also apply to toiletry items in checked baggage. The following items are allowed in limited quantities in your checked baggage:

• Insect repellent (limit of one container per person)
• Toiletry articles (e.g. nail polish remover, hair spray, deodorant)
• Perfume, cologne and medicine containing alcohol, including rubbing alcohol
• Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide (3%). You may carry a maximum of 500 ml or 500 g per container.

The total net quantity of the above mentioned toiletries cannot exceed 2 litres or 2 kg per person (checked baggage).

Note: animal repellent (bear and dog sprays) is not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage.

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It is recommended that you pack all medication in your carry-on baggage. Please ensure that it is properly labelled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label). It is recommended that you bring documentation that supports your medical condition. Prescription medication is exempted from the liquid restrictions, but must be presented to the Screening Officer separately from your carry-on baggage.

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Syringes, hypodermic needles and biojectors are permitted in your carry-on and checked baggage. Medication requiring syringes, hypodermic needles and biojectors must be for personal medical use and supported by labelled medication; as well, the needle guards must be in place.

Please ensure that your medication is properly labelled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label) and place it in your carry-on baggage in case it is required.

It is recommended that you bring documentation that supports your medical condition.

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Alcohol in carry-on baggage is subject to the liquid restrictions. Duty-free alcohol purchased after the security screening checkpoint can be brought in carry-on baggage, but may not be permitted if connecting to another flight, even if they are in security tamper-evident bags (STEBs). 

Exceptions: As of April 30, 2010, duty-free purchases from any of the European Union nations packaged in a security tamper-evident bag will be accepted for screening at Toronto Pearson International and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International airports.

Please see Duty-free purchases more information.

Passengers may transport bottles of alcohol in their checked baggage if:

• The percentage of alcohol by volume is 70 per cent (140 proof) or less
• For alcoholic beverages, between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume, the quantity does not exceed 5 litres per person.

Note: alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations on quantities.

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Passengers Departing from Canadian Airports

Passengers travelling to an international destination may purchase duty-free liquids, aerosols and gels beyond the security checkpoint and bring them in their carry-on baggage.

If duty-free shops are located prior to the security checkpoint, they will often deliver goods to the gate. If this service is not available, duty-free purchases must be put in checked baggage before passing through pre-board security screening, even if they are in security tamper-evident bags (STEBs), or they will be intercepted.

When connecting to another flight at an airport abroad, passengers may be required to pass through pre-board security at the connecting airport where duty-free liquids will be intercepted. Passengers are therefore advised to transfer duty-free liquids, aerosols, and gels to their checked baggage, if possible.

Passengers Arriving at Canadian Airports

Passengers flying to Canada from an international destination and who have a connecting flight may have to pass through the security checkpoint at the connecting airport. Duty-free liquids, gels and aerosols bought abroad or on the airplane, even if they are in security tamper-evident bags (STEBs), will NOT be permitted through the security checkpoint. Passengers taking a connecting flight should place liquid duty-free purchases in their checked baggage. All arriving passengers will be reclaiming their checked bags prior to passing through Canadian customs; duty-free liquids, aerosols, and gels can be placed in checked baggage before boarding the connecting flight.

Passengers flying to Canada, without a connecting flight in Canada, will not be passing through security again and can keep their duty-free liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on baggage.

Exceptions: As of April 30, 2010, duty-free purchases from any of the European Union nations packaged in a security tamper-evident bag will be accepted for screening at Toronto Pearson International and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International airports.

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It is a clear plastic bag specifically designed to hold liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) purchased by passengers at duty-free retailers in select airports in Europe. Canadian regulations currently restrict the size and volume of LAGs that can be carried by passengers on board an aircraft. Because duty-free LAGs often do not meet these regulations, the use of security tamper-evident bags provides a solution to this issue without compromising security. Once duty-free LAGs are sealed by the retailer in a security tamper-evident bag, the bag will be considered secure at screening checkpoints as long as it has not been opened and resealed.

This initiative is designed to make it easier for passengers to carry these liquids, aerosols and gels through passenger screening without jeopardizing security.

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You must leave your purchases in the security tamper-evident bag until you have completed your journey. Opening the bag voids its secure nature, in which case you will have to place your purchases in your checked baggage. Otherwise, you will have to surrender it at the screening checkpoint.

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No.  The security tamper-evident bag will not be counted as part of your carry-on allowance.

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The following items are permitted in carry-on baggage:

• Small sports equipment (e.g. balls, golf balls, bicycle helmets, swimming goggles)
• Sports racquets
• Parachutes (skydiving rigs with or without activation devices)

Please note that most sports equipment, including baseball and cricket bats, billiard cues, darts, golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse sticks, hunting and scuba knives, ice skates, ski poles and sling shots are not permitted in carry-on baggage but can be transported as checked baggage. Golf clubs are permitted in checked baggage, but should be thoroughly cleaned as chemical residues could trigger screening alarms and cause delays. Contact your air carrier for more information on size, weight and quantity limits for carry-on and checked baggage.

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One lighter for personal use, which does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (e.g. BIC Lighters), is permitted only when carried on one's person. Strike anywhere matches are NOT permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

No lighters are permitted in checked baggage due to the risk of accidental fires.

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Tools are not permitted in your carry-on baggage if your flight departs from a Canadian airport, but they may have to be carried in checked baggage.

Please note that small screwdrivers for repairing eyeglasses are permitted in carry-on baggage. Please note that air carriers reserve the right to refuse items to be brought on board an aircraft, so we suggest that you contact your air carrier in advance for details.

Other countries may have different regulations regarding permitted and non-permitted items in carry-on.

For information on U.S. Transportation Security Administration regulations visit the Transportation Security Administration website.

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Guns and rifles are not permitted in carry-on baggage.

You must seek approval from your air carrier to carry an unloaded firearm in your checked baggage. If the air carrier does not give its permission, you may not transport the item.

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Animal repellents such as bear and dog sprays are considered dangerous goods and are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

Insect repellent (limit of one aerosol can per person) is permitted in checked baggage and in carry-on baggage if it complies with restrictions applying to liquids, aerosols and gels.

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CATSA uses Explosive Detection Trace (EDT) technology at security checkpoints around the country to screen carry-on baggage and passengers.

CATSA is expanding its use of EDT technology in airports as part of its layered approach to improve aviation security and keep passengers safe. EDT is used on a random basis, therefore, it is possible that screening officers may swab your carry-on baggage or your hands and then use EDT technology to test for explosives.

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Yes, the new technology allows screening officers to validate electronic boarding passes using the scanner.

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Over the next few months, boarding pass scanners will initially be installed at Calgary, Toronto and Montréal airports.

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Yes, at the airports where the Boarding Pass Security System is in place. If a passenger refuses to present a boarding pass to be scanned, he/she will not be screened and therefore not allowed to board.

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The Screening Officer will inform the passenger of the reason why the boarding pass is not valid.  In some cases, passengers will be directed back to their airline if there is a concern over the validity of the boarding pass.

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If you have additional questions about the Boarding Pass Security System, call 1-888-294-2202.

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Please contact Passport Canada for information on required identification.

Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for all questions related to customs.

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Screening Officers are trained to use common sense and courtesy when screening persons carrying or wearing objects of sensitive, religious or cultural significance. When you enter the screening checkpoint, notify the Screening Officer that you are carrying articles that have special religious, cultural or ceremonial significance. All such items will be subjected to individual screening.

Please note that certain items are not permitted through the pre-board screening checkpoint (e.g. religious knives, swords, etc.) because they are sharp objects. Any item that may not be allowed past the pre-board screening checkpoint should be packed in your checked baggage, unless specified in the list of Permitted and Non-Permitted Items.

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You will undergo security screening while wearing your head covering. To speed up the screening process you should remove any metal objects from your head covering before you go through the screening checkpoint.

If your head covering causes an alarm to sound, a physical search will be required. The alarm must be resolved. In most cases this will not require you to remove your head covering. The physical search may be conducted in a private search room at your request.

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In Canada, the list of permitted and non-permitted items is regulated by Transport Canada, while in the US the list is regulated by the Transportation Security Administration. Both Canada and the U.S.A. follow International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines. However, some differences do exist.

The following websites provide the lists of permitted and non-permitted items of the country from which you are departing:

• For the list of permitted and non-permitted items in Canada, please refer to the Permitted and Non-Permitted items list.
• For the list of the permitted and non-permitted items in the U.S., please refer to the Transportation Security Administration website.

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For information on pre-board screening procedures in the US, please visit the website of the Transportation Security Administration, which is CATSA’s American counterpart.

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For lost property, first carefully check your belongings, your home, and your previous locations. Next, call the airport’s lost and found department.

If the property cannot be located, you believe it was lost during screening, and if you want to seek compensation for loss or damage to property or injury to your person that occurred during the screening process, then you may contact CATSA Claims Management and file a claim using the CATSA Claims Form.

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For any questions, complaints or compliments about screening, you should contact CATSA at 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free) or by completing the online feedback form.