Easton Tour & Travel Blog

CATSA has revised the official carry-on regulations effective January 20.  The new regulations are very similar to the old (pre-December bombing attempt) regulations, although very slightly different.  It appears as though the biggest differences entail a limitation on the size of laptop cases and purses.

Passengers are now allowed to bring one carry-on, and one personal item.  “carry-on baggage is limited to a size of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 16 in x 9 in), which is equivalent to the size of a small gym bag”.   Carrying cases for laptops must be limited to holding the laptop and accessories only, cases with expandable pockets, wheels, backpack style cases will count as your carry-on bag.
More information on the new regulations can be found on the CATSA website:

http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/Page.aspx?ID=78&pname=carryonbaggage_bagagedecabine&lang=en

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/infosheets-menu-5811.htm

In response to the recent terrorist attempt in Detroit, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in cooperation with the US TSA has implemented new temporary carryon restriction for flights to the US.   These restrictions are expected to last for at least the next several days.  From the CATSA website:

U.S.A. bound passengers are permitted zero carry-on bags effective immediately and lasting for several days. Passengers travelling within Canada are still permitted two carry-on bags (although to make the screening process most efficient, fewer carry-on items is preferred).

Carry-on bag means items to which a passenger has access to during a flight, but does NOT include personal items such as small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, diplomatic or consular bags, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, medication or medical devices, musical instruments, or any special needs items.

For more information please consult the CATSA website.

Expect delays as passengers who have no complied with the new regulations will have to go back to the airline checkin counter to check their carryon bags, resulting in longer security lines.  Some airlines are currently waiving their additional baggage fees in an effort to accommodate the new security restriction.  Please check with your airline for their policy.