Air Canada Offers Tips for Holiday Travel Under Enhanced Security Measures

As the holiday season approaches, Air Canada reminds travelers to be prepared for significantly enhanced security measures in airports and onboard aircraft as a result of the events of September 11, as well as congestion on peak travel days.

Holiday travel for both domestic and transborder destinations peaks December 19-23, with return travel January 2-6, 2002. International holiday travel commences as early as December 15 and continues through as late as January 11, 2002.

Air Canada offers the following advice for travellers, designed to make holiday travel enjoyable and to help ensure the only holiday surprises are those found under the Christmas tree.

BAGGAGE

Carry-on luggage:

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COUNT CAREFULLY. One carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack are allowed in all classes of service on all Air Canada flights within North America.

CHECK BATTERIES. When carrying on an electronic device such as a cellular phone or laptop computer, ensure it is in full working order to avoid confiscation by security.

NO SHARP POINTS. Do not carry on knives or "knife-like" objects or cutting instruments of any kind. These items may include carpet knives, box cutters and other folding or retractable blades regardless of size or material, straight razors, ice picks and elongated scissors. These objects must be packed in checked baggage.

SOME TOYS AND MOST SPORTS EQUIPMENT MUST BE CHECKED. Toy guns and toy knives are permitted in checked baggage but may not be carried in the aircraft cabin. Sports equipment such as hockey sticks, baseball bats, pool cues, ski poles and golf clubs must be checked.

Checked luggage

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THINK CAREFULLY WHILE PACKING. Strongly consider leaving all electric devices such as hair dryers, curling irons and irons at home. If they are a must, pack them in checked luggage.

MARK, LOCK AND GUARD LUGGAGE. Lock each piece of luggage, ensure clear identification is on both the outside and inside of luggage and never leave luggage unattended.

Travelling with gifts

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SAVE THE FESTIVE WRAPPING PAPER. Travel with unwrapped gifts to avoid being asked to unwrap them at the security checkpoint at the airport.

AT THE AIRPORT:

ARRIVE EARLY. Allow for holiday congestion and increased security by arriving at the airport early: no later than 30 minutes before departure on Rapidair flights; one hour before all other domestic flights, 90 minutes prior to U.S. flights and three hours prior to all international flights.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE A MUST. Be prepared to present photo identification before boarding a flight regardless of the destination; without it, travel may be refused. Domestic travel requires photo identification and international travel requires a valid passport and any other documentation required to enter the country of choice, such as visas. Children travelling outside of Canada with one parent may require legal documentation to prove consent of the other parent or guardian to leave the country.

IF YOU HAVE CHECKED LUGGAGE, BOARD YOUR BOOKED FLIGHT. Current security regulations require that passengers must fly on the same flight as their checked baggage. Failure to do so requires a search to remove baggage from the aircraft cargo hold and a lengthy, costly delay for both other passengers and the airline.

SECURITY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS - SAVE YOUR SENSE OF HO HO HO. Airport and airline employees are under strict enhanced security requirements to ensure the safety of all passengers and they take these responsibilities seriously.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

On the phone, at the airport, and in the air Air Canada is prepared to offer guidance and assistance to help ensure safe, enjoyable travel and wishes all of its customers happy and memorable holidays.