OTTAWA, Dec. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The days before Christmas are the busiest days of the year in Canadian airports and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) wants passengers to be prepared for security.

"Knowing what to expect and packing appropriately will reduce the time you spend at the checkpoint and increase the time you spend enjoying your trip," says Mathieu Larocque, a spokesperson for CATSA.

Before going to the airport make sure your clothes won't set off the metal detector. Limit jewellery and wear clothing and shoes without snaps, metal buttons or studs. Should you set off the metal detector, you may need to undergo further screening. Leave gifts unwrapped in case their contents need to be inspected.

Carry-on baggage and other personal items like purses will be x-rayed. Make sure your laptop is removed from its case and placed in a bin. Other items like cell phones, loose change and watches should be secured in the pockets of a coat or a jacket that will be placed a bin. Electronic items like tablets, cameras or MP3 players can remain in your carry-on bags.

Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a 1L clear plastic bag, these include toiletries and grandma's jam. Bigger containers should stay home or go in checked bags.

Have your boarding pass ready, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you are not rushing during the screening process.

If you have a NEXUS card, you can enjoy an even faster screening by using the dedicated lanes for Nexus members. For passengers travelling with young children or requiring extra assistance, you can use the Family/Special needs lane.

For more tips that will get you through airport security screening in a breeze, see catsa.gc.ca or the mobile site, m.catsa.gc.ca or on twitter be following @catsa_gc.

CATSA, established in 2002, is a Crown corporation responsible for:

• Pre-board screening - the screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and personal belongings;
• Hold-baggage screening - the screening of checked baggage;
• Non-passenger screening - the screening of non-passengers on a random basis; and
• Restricted Area Identity Card - the administration of access control to airport restricted areas through biometric identifier
  

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SOURCE Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/12/18/20121218_C2049_DOC_EN_22057.pdf

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/12/18/20121218_C2049_DOC_EN_22058.pdf