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Preparing for a flight, airport security, health concerns and more.

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What you can bring on a plane.

Items that you can or cannot bring on a plane

Carry-on baggage

Carry-on baggage definitions, regulations and policies

Liquids, aerosols and gels

How to properly pack your liquids, non-solid food, personal and toiletry items

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A checklist of what you need to remember before you board the plane

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Security screening wait times at airports in Canada

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Ensure that duty-free liquids, aerosols and gels are sealed in official security bags

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Liquid Rules for flying in Canada in 2024

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Table of contents.

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but navigating airport security? Not so much. Especially when it comes to understanding the dos and don’ts of carrying liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on luggage. This guide will help you navigate the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) regulations, ensuring your journey through airport security in 2024 is as smooth as possible.

This article covers following topics:

• Understanding Canada’s 2024 Liquid Rules

Items You Might Not Realize Count as Liquids

Exemptions and special considerations, tips for complying with liquid rules, preparing your carry-on bag, common mistakes to avoid, understanding canada's 2024 liquid rules.

In line with international standards, Canada’s regulations for carry-on baggage strictly limit the quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols passengers can carry. Each passenger is allowed to carry containers of these substances, provided they do not exceed 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) each. All these containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1L (one quart). Remember, only one such bag is allowed per passenger and it must be presented separately from your carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint.

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It’s crucial to remember that airport security’s definition of liquids extends beyond water, beverages and toiletries. Items that are often overlooked include:

• Gels like hair styling products and hand sanitizers.
• Aerosols, including hairspray and spray deodorants.
• Personal care items such as creams, lotions and pastes including toothpaste.
• Food items like soft cheeses and chocolate spreads.

Understanding these classifications can help prevent unexpected hiccups during the security screening process. More detailed information on liquids, non-solid foods and personal items can be found here .

There are a few exceptions to the rule, primarily for medications, baby formula/food and items required for special dietary reasons. These do not need to fit within your 1L plastic bag but must be declared to the security officers at the checkpoint. Packing these items in an easily accessible manner will help speed up this process.

Adapting to these regulations doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some practical tips to help you comply with ease:

• Minimize Necessities: Before you pack, consider what liquid products are absolutely necessary for your flight and first days of travel. Often, hotels and accommodations provide basic toiletries.
• Travel-Sized Containers: Invest in travel-sized containers for your must-have liquids that comply with the CATSA limits. These are readily available at many stores throughout Canada.
• Solid Toiletries: Consider switching to solid alternatives for some items, such as shampoo bars, solid deodorants and toothpaste tablets. These products are not only travel-friendly but also eco-conscious.

Packing your carry-on bag with CATSA’s liquid rules in mind is simple:

• Select appropriate containers for your liquids, gels and aerosols, ensuring they are 100ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
• Place all these containers into a single 1L clear plastic bag.
• Prepare any exemptions (medications, baby food etc.) for easy presentation at security.

Present your plastic bag of liquids separately from your carry-on when asked at the security checkpoint.

A common pitfall for many travelers is overpacking their liquid bag or forgetting to remove it from their carry-on luggage before screening. Another mistake is assuming items like peanut butter or mascara don’t count as liquids or gels. When in doubt, pack it in your checked baggage or verify with CATSA’s guidelines before your travel day.

Flying in Canada in 2024 can be a real pain, with delays and cancellations rife within the industry. However, being on top of everything within your control will allow you to navigate airports with confidence.  By understanding and preparing for the liquid rules, you can ensure a stress-free airport experience. Remember to plan ahead and pack smartly. For the most up-to-date information and detailed guidelines, visit CATSA’s official website . It’s your go-to resource for any specific questions or clarifications about flying within Canada. 

For a hassle-free travel experience within Canada, consider the expertise of a dedicated Corporate Travel Agency. Inspired Travel Group is here to make sure your trip is not just stress-free, but also enjoyable from start to finish. Reach out to us for assistance in planning, booking and managing all aspects of your corporate travel needs.

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Canada, U.S. relax airport security ban on liquids and gels

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Travellers in Canada and the United States maypurchase liquids and gels at airports and carrycosmetics and toiletriesunder revised security ruleseffective tomorrow, officialssaid Monday.

Passengers maybring aboard limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosolspurchased in designated areas. Cosmetics and toiletries also maybecarried in hand luggage ifthey are packaged in a clear, sealed plastic bag. One resealable plastic bag per passenger will be permitted.

"We are confident that the following measures will maintain security while facilitating safe, efficient, convenient travel," said Jean Barrette, Transport Canada's director of security operations, at a news conference in Ottawa.

"The announcement we've made today does, in fact, enhance security measures and allow the screening authority to focus on high-risk areas for liquids and gels being brought on board the airplane," Barrette said.

"We now know enough to say that a total ban is no longer needed from a security point of view," Kip Hawley, head of the Transportation Security Administration, told a Washington news conference earlier in the day at Reagan National Airport.

Hawley called the new procedures a "common sense" approach that would maintain a high level of airport security.

Airports around the globe tightened security restrictions in August after investigators suspectedan alleged plotto blow up10 commercial airliners with liquid explosives smuggled aboard in hand luggage.

Passengers in Canada may continue to bring aboard baby formula, baby food or milk for children aged two or younger. Prescription medicine with supporting documentation, such as a doctor's note, maybe allowed in carry-on luggage. Travellers must declare these items to screening officials but the products do not have to be sealed in the plastic bag.

The federal agency noted that flights connecting through or departing from the United Kingdom continue to prohibit liquids, gels and aerosols.

Last week, retailers in designated areas of Canadian airports were permitted to sell liquids, gels and aerosols to travellers under new rules. Barrette noted that airports have ramped up security requirements to allow for this change.

With files from the Associated Press

Related Stories

• Transport Canada relaxes some airport retail restrictions
• Airport Security

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Travelling with Solid Food Items

Did you know that solid food items, such as sandwiches, apples and granola bars, are permitted in both your carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada? If your destination is outside of Canada, any food not consumed, including food in checked baggage, will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting.

Some food items may be subject to restrictions. This includes liquids and any foods that are mashed, puréed or mixed in a sauce (e.g. mashed potatoes, smoothies, chilli or stews). In order for a food to be considered a solid, it must be solid at room temperature. Additionally, certain powders and granular materials (e.g. baking powder, baking soda, salt, etc.) in your carry-on are limited to a total quantity of 350 ml or less.

If you plan to prep your food on the go, keep in mind that small kitchen appliances with blades 6 cm or less (e.g. personal/hand-held blenders, coffee grinders, cheese slicers) are permitted in carry-on baggage. 

Examples of solid food items you can take on the plane 

Packaged foods.

• Granola bars
• Hard candies
• Chocolate bars

Non-packaged foods

• Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, etc.)
• Cheese slices or cubes

Miscellaneous

• Supplements 

You can check our  What Can I Bring? list  for other examples of food and drink that you can bring on the plane.

Did you know?

The X-ray machines will not harm food or medication. It is safe to consume food or medication that has been scanned.

What happens if you bring a non-permitted item to a pre-board security screening checkpoint?

If your item does not pass pre-board screening for carry-on baggage, you may:

• Leave it with a friend or family member who is not travelling and still at the airport;
• Ask your airline representative to re-book you on a later flight, allowing you time to make other arrangements; or
• Ship the item via mail, cargo or courier. Please keep in mind that shipping options vary at airports.

Planning to bring food products from Canada into another country?

Contact the appropriate foreign office accredited to Canada or the customs authority of the country of your destination.

Planning to bring food from a foreign country into Canada?

Check with your airline or Canada Border Services Agency’s website as some restrictions may apply.