Summer Air Travel: What Canadians Can and Can’t Pack in Their Luggage

As summer travel ramps up across Canada and more Canadians prepare to take to the skies, understanding what can and cannot be packed in your luggage is crucial for a streamlined, stress-free journey. With increased security checks and evolving regulations, Canadian travelers are urged by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and airport officials to pay close attention to the latest rules to prevent travel disruptions or fines.

Navigating Airport Security: Key Rules for 2025

According to CATSA spokesperson Dominique Huras, security screening lines are at their busiest ahead of holidays and during July and August. Many travelers, especially infrequent flyers, may be caught unaware by recent changes in what is permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. To help Canadians travel safely and efficiently this season, let’s break down the essentials and provide practical tips.

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels

The infamous 100-milliliter (mL) rule for liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on baggage is still in effect at Canada’s major airports for summer 2025. Each liquid container must be 100 mL or less. All containers must fit into a single, clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag per passenger. This includes beverages, creams, shampoos, sunscreen, toothpaste, and more. Exceptions are made for medications, baby formula/milk, and food for infants, but these may be subject to additional screening.

Banned and Restricted Items

Certain items are strictly prohibited in all luggage—checked or carry-on. These include but are not limited to:

• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, lighter fluid)
• Compressed gases (unless medically necessary and declared)
• Corrosive substances (such as acid-based cleaners)
• Self-defense sprays (pepper spray, bear spray)

Some everyday items are also banned from cabin baggage: knives of any length, razor blades (unless in a cartridge), and certain sports equipment, like hockey sticks or baseball bats, are not allowed in the cabin. E-cigarettes and vaping devices must be carried in cabin bags, not checked baggage, and batteries must be removed where possible.

Changes for 2025: Electronics and Powders

CATSA continues to refine its screening of electronic devices. All laptops, tablets, e-readers, and large electronics must be removed from bags and scanned separately. Power banks and lithium batteries must meet airline-specific watt-hour limits—typically up to 100Wh for carry-on, but larger batteries may require airline approval.

Since recent security incidents, powdered substances, such as baby powder or protein powder, have additional limits when carried into the cabin. Travelers should not exceed 350 mL of powder per container when bringing such items in carry-on luggage.

Food Items: What’s Allowed?

Homemade sandwiches and solid foods are generally permitted in cabin baggage, but any food in liquid or gel form must follow the 100 mL rule. This includes yogurt, jams, sauces, and dips. For flights headed outside Canada, be aware of additional international restrictions concerning meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables to prevent unintentional biosecurity violations.

Medications and Medical Devices

Prescription medications, essential medical devices (like insulin pumps or EpiPens), and assistive aids are permitted in both checked and carry-on baggage, but it’s advised to pack these in your carry-on. Passengers should declare these items at security and have documentation ready if possible, especially for liquid medications over 100 mL.

Tips for Speedier Screening

• Arrive early—at least two hours for domestic and three for international flights.
• Have your boarding pass, ID, and bag of liquids accessible.
• Wear easily removable outerwear and keep pockets empty of metal objects.
• Separate electronics and chargers before the screening belt.
• Double-check CATSA’s online What Can I Bring? tool for item-specific guidance.

Fines and Penalties

Attempting to bring prohibited items can result in bags being delayed, confiscated, or even fines issued by Transport Canada. Recent data shows that in 2024, several hundred travelers faced $1,000+ fines for packing items such as bear spray or fireworks, especially during the busy summer months. Customs violations for international travelers may be even more severe and can result in denied entry or criminal charges depending on the item and intent.

Future Trends: Advanced Security

Canadian airports are piloting new technology, including computed tomography — 3D screening for carry-on bags — which could eventually relax rules for liquids and electronics. Until then, the current rules remain in place for most major airports in 2025.

Final Checklist for Canadian Travelers

• Review CATSA and airline-specific baggage policies before packing
• Keep medications, valuables, and essential devices in carry-on baggage
• Stay within liquid, gel, and aerosol limits in carry-on
• Allow extra time for screening and potential secondary inspections
• Declare all food, medication, and duty-free items at security and customs

With a little planning and awareness of the current security requirements, Canadians can avoid unnecessary hassle and make the most of their summer travel experience. For the latest updates, visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website or consult your airline for specific luggage queries.