As of January 20, 2010, passengers are able to bring one piece of carry-on luggage on their flight to the United States with some small exceptions. This new measure replaces the temporary restriction on carry-on bags introduced as a result of the December 25, 2009 security incident.
New regulations note that a carry-on bag must not exceed a size of 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 16 in x 22 in), which is equivalent to the size of a small gym bag. Exceptions are made to accommodate travellers with medical conditions or traveling with small children and some personal items are also exempt.
For details about the new regulations download this fact sheet from Transport Canada. Feuille d’information en français
Information about what personal items are permitted for travel to the U.S. as well as some Frequently Asked Questions is available on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website: www.catsa.gc.ca
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi;
Just wondering if you can still bring electronics in your small purse? Also, is there a defined size for the “small purse”.
Thank you,
Melissa ~
Are we allowed to carry on cell phones, money and passports and other documents to US flights? These are not on the list. Are laptop bags allowed? What is a small purse? How do we contact CATSA via email? These CATSA regulations are not very well defined or thought out considering that the issue is stuff hidden in underwear.
Can the laptop computer (as allowed) be in it’s own carry bag?
Hi John,
I believe the laptop is allowed but not a big laptop bag. Might want to double check with your airline to be safe.
thanks,
alisa
Hi Dunster,
you are allowed to carry on the necessary items like money, passport, etc. It just had to be in a small purse about the size of a sheet of 11 x 8 paper. I understand laptop bags aren’t allowed but the laptop is. you’re right that the rules aren’t well defined and i wish i had more info for you!
cheers,
alisa
Hi Melissa,
A small purse is defined, as i last heard it, as the size of a piece of 11.5 x 8 piece of paper. sadly none of my bags fit this description as i carry my life in my purse!
hope that helps.
alisa
I am travelling to South Africa via Seattle and Amsterdam – what amount of luggage can I carry on as I will have to have a change on clothes and toiletries, I will be en route for two days. I think that I am allowed 2 suitcases to book in 23 kilos each and a carry-on 13 kilo,
I cannot possibly go without a change of clothes – also I take vitamins and a small amount of meds – am I allowed to take that.
Thanking you in anticipation – things may have changed by the time I leave on the 28th January. G.Simoncioni
I am going to South Africa on the 28th January via Seattle and Amsterdam, I will be travelling for 2 days – will need a change of clothes, my vitamins and a small amount of medication. I believe that I am able to book 2 suitcases 23 kilo each and a carry-on 13 kilos.
Thanks, G.Simoncioni
My son was planning to take a Nintendo DS (approximately 3″x5″) with him on the plane to LA. Does that fall into the catagory of computer or camera??
I am travelling to school from Vancouver to St. Maarten with Layovers in LAX and Atlanta. I now have no carry on luggage and am wondering how are we to carry both a laptop and camera along with everything else without a laptop bag? I also have to carry my travel documents (school acceptance letters, Island required police record and health certificate and birth certificate) and so am I not able to carry any of those in a bag? What if I use a plastic grocery bag? The worst part is that I was told by the school that many times the plane is unable to carry all luggage on the first trip and my checked luggage may be delayed. I was advised to place 2 days worth of clothing and amenities in my carry on, of which I have none now.
ok this is so confusing. if they are giving a size restriction why are they not posting. No one knows how big a purse is allowed for example
what do we do with our ditigital slrs and lenses? Do I carry on the camera with no bag?
the netbook my partner will take in the neoprene case so the only real concern is the camera.
if it was not for the fact this trip was prebooked and is importatn for my parents I would cancel.
the airlines will suffer if this continues cause I won’t travel to the US
United’s website has these clarifications:
• A laptop computer may be transported in a basic laptop bag containing only computer accessories and one or two thin file folders.
• small purses (not exceeding 12 x 10 x 5.5 in. or 30 x 25 x 14 cm)
Hi Gayle,
Those are the small ninetendo’s, is that right? it’s a great question and one that i’m not 100% sure on. perhaps an email to CATSA (www.catsa.gc.ca) or your airline might help? my understanding is that if it fits in a purse, then it can be allowed on.
cheers,
alisa
my understanding is that it’s a small purse. Richard posted that it can’t exceed 12 x 10 x 5.5 in. I know these are confusing and we’re finding it challenging too as we try to answer questions. thanks for your understanding and patience as the government works through things to keep us safe!
Hi Glenda,
according to the new regulations you can’t bring anything on that doesn’t fit in a small purse. each airline has it’s own checked baggage restrictions so i’d check with them to confirm the size/weight of what you’re allowed. have fun in south africa – it’s one of my favourite places.
alisa
Can we bring a “small purse” AND a “laptop in a laptop bag”? Or is it one or the other for carry on?
according to westjets site this is the update…more clarification but I have not seen this anywhwere else such as on on the official sites, AC or Alaska air.
Diaper bag
Diplomatic bag
Consular bag
Camera bag
Musical instruments
55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm
(21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in)
Small purse
Laptop computer in a briefcase style bag (backpack style not permitted)43 cm x 16 cm x 33 cm
(16.5 in x 6 in x 13 in)
One animal in a carry-on kennel
40 cm x 44 cm x 21.5 cm
(16″ L x 17.5″ W x 8.5″ H)
Medication or medical devices, special needs items (such as crutches, canes, and walkers or containers carrying life sustaining items) are permitted in addition to one of the above personal items, and do not have size or weight restrictions.
Are strollers allowed as carry on?
On a related topic, on our last trip to the US we found that you now place your checked luggage on a conveyor belt immediately after checkin, before you go through the US Customs / Immigration area. We used Nexus and I was flagged for a random bag search. Small detail – my bag was already in the conveyor system. Thus we had to wait 20 minutes in the US Immigra-tion office before they could bring in my bag to search. Then when we were on the plane, takeoff was delayed for almost an hour while nine more passengers were held up at US Immigration – likely a similar problem?
It’s obvious that people should have all their luggage with them until they are completely through the US Customs and Immigration area, in case they need to be checked. This is just more needless hassle for your customers. Please tell me that this situation will be looked into and corrected.
I pack my pressed powder makeup on my carryon because it usually gets broken in my suitcase, ie eye shadow and compact, can this be carried in my small purse that is allowed? also can a personal dvd viewer be allowed as well?
I just watched the news (Jan.7th) re: luggage gone through, missing items, and getting the runaround by airport staff. I had a similar experience last Feb; my camera was stolen from my bag once it had been checked in. I could get nothing done; as a matter of fact, it was hinted that it was my responibility to keep an eye on my luggage. I told them that my bag was checked in immediately upon arrival at the airport as I felt that was the safest place for it. What a farce.
Just watch out that you don’t get your stuff stolen. We had our kids ipod stolen and the TSA staff were fighting w/each other this past Tues…be careful what you pack. I don’t think YVR is ready for the Olympics…it was crazy and the people were rude. It took 2 hours & and 45mins to check in.
here’s the details, note there are 2 pages:
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/file/library/71/english/Exempt%20Items%20-%2008jan10(2)%20-%20EN.pdf
go to this website, its very helpful for those who are traveling to/within the States. it shows what can and cannot be considered carryon. and there are pictures of baggage that is and is not allowed.
http://www.catsa.gc.ca/file/library/71/english/ExemptItems08jan10EN.pdf
(attempted to copy and paste below)
08-jan-2010 page 01/02
The following are examples of items that are not counted as carry-on baggage for passengers travelling to the United States. Unless
otherwise stated, the items must be carried on the person, and not inside a larger bag.
general printed matter
items worn on the person
(watches, glasses, jewellery, passports and other valuables)
items that fit in pockets
(cell phones, glasses cases, cigarettes, wallets, keys,
loose change)
newspapers, books and magazines
individual documents
personal Electronic equipment Medical and assistive devices
laptop computers and accessories
in regular carrying cases *
CD players, DVD players (including discs)
MP3 players, iPods
ear buds and headphones
cellular and smart phones
e-books
games such as Nintendo DS, Playstation Portable, Sudoku
pagers
crutches, canes, walkers
diabetic supplies and equipment
medical kits
ostomy supplies
The following items are allowed with airline approval:
personal oxygen concentrators
small gaseous oxygen and air cylinders
defibrillators
Baby and nursing mother’s needs Clothing and personal items
diaper bags and associated supplies
breast pumps
child restraint systems
infant carriers
milk, juice, water, and baby food or formula for travelling
infants under two years of age
strollers
small purses and pouches *
travel pillows
hats
jackets and outer coats
nail clippers and nail files
umbrellas
food and Medication ANIMALS
small snacks and other foods
(liquid and gel restrictions apply)
prescription medication
essential non-prescription medication
pets in carrying cases
(with airline approval)
service animals and their equipment
Children’s toys OTHER
colouring books
crayons
small stuffed animals
musical instruments in purpose-designed carrying cases
cameras (still and video) and accessories in purpose-designed
carrying cases
– includes film, lenses, spare batteries, chargers, cables
– includes large, professional-grade cameras and equipment
knitting needles (when wool is present)
religious items (e.g., prayer mat, etc.)
* Further guidance available (see next page)
Items not counted as carry-on (US flights)
08-jan-2010 page 02/02
acceptable NO t acceptable
Small purses or pouches
25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm
(10 in x 12 in x 5½ in)
applies equally to women, men and children
Large purses, attaché cases and briefcases
Laptops and accessories in regular carrying case Laptops in suitcases or “on wheels”
further guidance on carry-on items (US flights)
TOTAL craziness. I am a frequent traveller to US and had my laptop bag..on wheels..guess what NOT ALLOWED! Total nonsense, it carries a laptop, which I had to carry in a plastic bag a newstand person gave me! My thinking is, if they will scan your bag, pat you down and check the contents of your bag physically , as they did..then why the restriction?? I understand a luggage bag with clothes etc not being allowed..but a laptop bag?? I hope the nonsense stops soon..Transport Canada..wake up!
I have been told the carry on bag restriction was lifted today, Jan 20 by Transport Canada for passengers going via USA airports. Is this true? We stop over in Miami en route to South America. Please confirm.
this has changed now right?
you can bring a carry on plus one item such as a camera bag?
correct me if I am wrong cause this is what I have been reading