Planning Ahead

  • Leave gifts unwrapped. Sealed packages may be opened by security personnel for inspection. It is best to wrap the gifts at your destination or to send them ahead using a parcel delivery service.
  • Travel light. The less you have to worry about, the better.
  • Call your airline for up to date flight information. WAA’s web site (www.waa.ca) and flight information phone line at 204-987-9780 are excellent sources of up to date information, with the updates made directly by the airlines. The airlines have the most accurate information. If you’re not sure, call your airline.
  • Ensure your carry-on baggage is within your airline’s size limits. Most airlines have size restrictions outlined on their web sites.
  • Ensure you do not have any prohibited items in your carry-on baggage. See Transport Canada’s guidelines for carry-on baggage.
  • Have your travel agent’s number on hand. Sometimes flights are changed or cancelled. Just in case something happens to your flight and you need to make alternate arrangements, have your agent’s number with you.
  • For more information about security at Canada’s airports and in the air, visit the website for CATSA, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. Also see Transport Canada’s Security Tips for Passengers and the Fly Smart, Fly Secure campaign.

At the Airport

  • Arrive early at the airport. Travel and security procedures may increase the time you need to check in. Check with your airline to learn exactly when you should be there, but be aware that delays occur. The more time you give yourself, the less likely you are to encounter problems and the less stress you should feel.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is very important that all passengers stay alert in the airport and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities. Co-operation with airport, airline and security personnel will help ensure a safe and secure journey.
  • Never leave a vehicle unattended at the airport curb. Designated space at the curb is available for picking up and dropping off passengers only. For security reasons, unattended vehicles will be towed. Take advantage of on-site airport parking and valet parking.
  • Always have photo identification on hand. You will be asked for identification at several locations in the airport. Be sure to have it ready.
  • Never leave any bags unattended anywhere in the airport. For security reasons, unattended bags are immediately removed.
  • Remember that baggage carts are always free at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
  • Eat before you fly. Many low-fare and no-frills airlines do not offer meals on board. You have many options for grabbing a bite to eat at the airport, many of which you can take on board the aircraft.
  • Ensure all bags have identification attached to them. You can either attach your own identification or use a tag provided by your airline. Transport Canada recommends labelling with your name and business address.
  • Use the self-serve kiosks. You may be able to save yourself some time by utilizing the electronic check-in kiosks provided by some airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet and Northwest Airlines.

Security Checkpoint

  • Your carry-on baggage may be searched by security personnel. Searches will be done in your presence and in as discreet a manner as possible. Minimizing your carry-on luggage contributes to minimizing the time it takes to go through security.
  • Passengers may be searched by security personnel. These searches are performed in a professional manner by trained personnel, and will be conducted using electronic hand-wands or a physical pat-down.
  • Ensure battery-operated devices are charged up. You may be requested to turn them on when going through security.
  • Do not joke about bombs, guns or hijacking when going through security. Not only is there no humour in it, but it is against the law.

New Rules for Travelers to the U.S.

Effective October 4, 2005, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began requiring airlines to collect additional information from passengers through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). These changes affect people travelling to, from, and via the United States.

  • Complete name
  • Date of birth
  • Citizenship
  • Gender
  • Passport number, expiration date and country of issuance (if passport required)
  • Address for the first night in the U.S. (except for persons who are in transit to a location outside the U.S.)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Alien registration number, where applicable

Canadian citizens travelling to the U.S. require proof of citizenship and photo identification. A passport or expired passport (with expiration date less than one calendar year before the date of travel) serves both purposes. If entering from Canada, a Canadian Birth Certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or foreign passport (provided it contains a stamp which reads Canadian Border Crossing Identity Card) will be accepted. Documents that do not incorporate a photograph should be accompanied by supporting government-issued photo identification.


Advisories & Tips

Traveller's Corner by Passport Canada  NEW! December 2008
Flight Rights Canada for Air Travellers 
Travel Health Advisory Issued for the Dominican Republic
New Regulations: Flying within Canada
Flying with Family Checklist
Flying to the US?  New Passport Rules
Travel Tips - Checked Baggage Screening 
WAA’s Travel Tips for the Holiday & Charter Season

  

Links

For more information and travelling tips, please visit the following links:

Security & Emergency Preparedness
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
Transport Canada
US Customs and Border Protection
Cuba Tourist Board in Canada
Dominican Republic Embassy in Canada
Mexican Embassy in Canada