Latest news with #CATSA
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
Travelling for the August long weekend? 7 best foods to bring on a plane — and the ones you should avoid, according to a dietitian
Airport food can be expensive. An expert shares the best snacks Canadians can bring through airport security ahead of their August long weekend travel. It's almost August long weekend, and many Canadians are packing their bags and jetting off for a summer vacation. Holidays are meant to be relaxing, but air travel can come with a set of headaches. Rushing to the airport, navigating crowds and possibly delayed flights can make airports a stressful place. However, once you've found your gate, it's time to relax and kick back with a good book and some tasty snacks. However, purchasing overpriced airport food is often the last thing you want to do. Don't leave your snacking options up to the vendors: Pack your own airport-friendly travel snacks. Obviously, you can't just take any snack with you through security. That's why it's important to pack snacks that are approved by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) — and those that will also keep you feeling full throughout the flight. What foods will CATSA let through Canadian airport security? First off, make sure your snacks comply with airport security rules. According to the CATSA website, non-solid foods are considered part of your 'liquids, aerosols and gels.' That means they're subject to the same rules as your shampoo or toothpaste. Food is not exempted from restrictions on liquids. If you plan on packing non-solid foods in your carry-on like jam, pudding, yogurt, peanut butter, chocolate spread or cheese spread, they must be 100 ml or less, and all containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than one litre in capacity. Freezing the food will not skirt these rules. According to CATSA, the food must be solid at room temperature. For those who prefer not to store peanut butter or yogurt next to their perfume, solid food items may be a better option. CATSA rules say sandwiches, apples, granola bars, cheese cubes, vegetables, bread, solid candies, chocolate bars, cookies, chips and muffins, among many other solid food items, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada. However, keep in mind if your destination is outside of Canada, any food not consumed will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting. With these security measures in mind, Yahoo Canada spoke to Shirley Khuong, a registered dietitian with JM Nutrition, about which snacks to take aboard. Here's what she recommended. Whole grain wraps with brie and apple 'Try to look for something that has a balance of enough fibre, a vegetable component and, if it's bread, does it have a whole wheat, whole grain component to it,' Khuong said. 'The fibre will really slow down your digestion and help you feel more full, and you can look for a fruit component as well.' A whole wheat wrap rolled up with brie and apple could be a good example of a snack that hits those marks. Cut up veggies 'Look for veggies that are easier to pack and more dry. So, easy-slice foods that aren't as watery like celery, carrots, red peppers and cucumbers could be a good choice,' she said. 'Those are all really good for hydration as well.' If you have room in your carry-on liquids bag, you can bring aboard small packages of hummus, guacamole or nut butter. Custom trail mix Trail mix is a hiking staple for good reason, it's easily packable, lasts a long time and keeps you feeling full. Khuong suggested making your own mix of nuts and dried fruit at home. For example, mix unsalted nuts, dried fruits and perhaps a little bit of chocolate for added sweetness. Homemade muffins Small baked goods, like homemade muffins, can be made ahead of time, and the recipes can be optimized for air travel. 'You could add protein powder in it, or cottage cheese,' she said. 'Muffins can last while you're travelling, they don't have much of a scent and they're easy to carry around.' Plus, they're balanced thanks to a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. Fresh, whole fruit 'Those are always so easy to carry, especially apples, pears or bananas, because they're a whole piece and you can just throw them out when you're done,' she said. If you have room for a small box of berries, Khuong recommended this as they can boost hydration levels. DIY Bento box 'This one is kind of hit or miss for some people,' Khuong said, 'but if you packed a boiled egg, some nuts, and either vegetable sticks or crackers, that's an easy, balanced snack.' The egg provides protein, while the nuts add some healthy fats and protein, and the veggies provide healthy carbs. Simple charcuterie box Meat sticks are a good source of protein, but Khuong suggested travellers avoid the more processed options and those high in sodium. Another idea is to swap pepperoni sticks for chicken slices, which can be lower in unhealthy fats, and pack some pre-packaged cheese sticks. Empty water bottle It's not a snack per say, but staying hydrated while travelling is essential. Purchasing bottles of water at the airport gates can be pricey, not to mention environmentally unfriendly. Instead, pack your own (empty) reusable water bottle and fill up at a water fountain after security. 'You can just fill up and it's a lot more convenient for you without having to spend that extra little bit of money on your trip that you might want to save for something else,' she said. Foods to avoid during a flight Certain foods can make you feel uncomfortable onboard an airplane. For example, if beans or chickpeas naturally tend to leave you feeling bloated or gassy, Khuong said it might be a good idea to avoid them on travel days. Consider skipping raw cruciferous vegetables, too, like cauliflower or broccoli, in favour of something that will keep you feeling fuller for longer. 'Choose snacks that are higher in protein and lower in saturated fats,' Khuong said. 'For a snack, aim for five to 10 grams of protein per serving, and two grams of fibre or more per serving.' You might want to avoid overly salty foods as well. Salty chips and processed foods, for example, may leave you feeling dehydrated. 'If you're concerned about how often you're going to the washroom, avoid salty foods, which can make you more thirsty,' Khuong said.
Vancouver Sun
10-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Travelling with lithium batteries: Here's what you need to know
Lithium batteries have become so much a part of our daily lives that we almost forget how many we're carrying around. They're in cellphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets and e-readers, even e-cigarettes, Bluetooth headphones and toothbrushes. They also power many personal medical devices like hearing aids, pacemakers and CPAP machines. A lot of those devices are with us all or most of the time, including when we're travelling. Of course, larger lithium batteries are also found in electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, and there are plenty of stories in the news about them overheating and causing destructive fires, especially when damaged or defective. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The same risks are there with even smaller-scale lithium ion batteries, including those power banks many people pack with them to keep their devices charged on the road. (One battery pack brand, Anker, was recalled last month after reports they could overheat and ignite, leading to many airlines banning them from flights.) Airlines, airports and customs officials have strict rules about what kinds of batteries we can carry and how we carry them. Here's what you need to know about lithium batteries and travel: While the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority ( CATSA ) says most batteries are generally safe for travel, they can occasionally cause sparks or a fire. That's true of any battery, but lithium-ion varieties are more volatile and can create a 'thermal runaway' if they overheat. That's why it's recommended that lithium batteries and battery-powered electronic devices be on your person or packed in carry-on baggage. Airlines and CATSA also advise travellers not to put them in overhead bins. And many airlines prohibit charging devices while on a plane — so power them up ahead of time. Some airlines also set limits on how many batteries or battery-powered devices you can carry. Airlines set their own rules about lithium batteries and many don't allow them in checked baggage. Some also don't allow traditional alkaline batteries — AAA, AA, C, D, nine-volt, etc. — in checked luggage. And some have restrictions on things like e-cigarettes and larger lithium power banks and their use and storage on flights. Damaged, swollen or recalled batteries, such as the Anker battery mentioned above, aren't allowed on planes. You should check the rules and restrictions for your airline before packing for a trip. For example, Air Canada lists what and how many battery-powered devices you can carry on, while offering an exception for electric toothbrushes and shavers despite their lithium-ion power source. Spare batteries should be packed in a protective case, plastic bag or the original packaging, and the terminals — marked by the + and – symbols — can also be taped over to prevent short-circuiting. Both Canada and the U.S. set limits on the power of lithium batteries that can be on flights, and they're largely the same in both countries. Any device containing a battery of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh) is fine in checked luggage. Ones between 100 and 160 Wh are allowed in carry-on but must be approved by the airline for checked bags, and anything above 160 Wh isn't allowed. (Those batteries are usually for things like e-bikes, so this restriction doesn't apply to most personal devices you're likely to travel with.) So how do you check the watt-hours of the battery in your device? Not to get too mathematical, watt-hours are calculated as voltage times amp-hours. The less onerous way is to search online for the specifications on the battery in your device. If you have to travel with a larger device like a nail gun or saw, you should pack it in a protective case and tape it in the off/safety position so it won't turn on accidentally. The 160-plus Wh restriction doesn't apply to personal mobility devices like wheelchairs and medical devices like CPAPs. You can travel with those with no watt-hour limits, and you can also travel with one backup battery up to 300 Wh. But CATSA advises you to check in with pre-board screeners beforehand. Airlines and CATSA constantly keep track of developments in lithium batteries, such as the emerging class of lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which are less prone to ignition risk than other types of lithium batteries. But these so-called LFP batteries aren't yet common in smaller personal devices for practical reasons, and are mostly found in e-vehicles, solar power systems and the like. The up-to-date rules for each battery type will usually be available on the airline website or you can call customer service to find out what's allowed. While CATSA and Canadian customs have their own rules around batteries, other countries' aviation agencies and international airlines have similar, but potentially somewhat different, regulations. U.S. Customs also allows batteries and personal electronic devices like laptops and cellphones on flights but only in carry-on baggage, similar to Canada. As in Canada, batteries up to 100 Wh are OK on all passenger flights, while those between 100 and 160 Wh must be approved by the air carrier; anything above 160 Wh is forbidden. The rules are set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and more information can be found at . Hundreds of global airlines follow International Air Transportation Association (IATA) guidance on portable electronic devices and the batteries in them. More info on IATA rules is at . No battery should ever be thrown away, and that's especially true of lithium batteries. Not only do old and damaged ones pose safety risks, they also contain valuable — and potentially hazardous — metals like lithium, nickel and cobalt that can be recycled. Many Canadian retailers like Staples, London Drugs, Best Buy, the Real Canadian Superstore and Save-On-Foods have battery recycling bins. Those are fine for alkalines and other traditional batteries. But lithium batteries should go to specialized depots. Recycle Your Batteries, Canada offers advice on how to safely store then recycle them, and you can search drop-off locations based on your postal code. jruttle@
CBC
09-07-2025
- CBC
11.2M people expected to pass through Toronto Pearson Airport this summer. Here's what travellers should know
Travelling this summer? You're not alone. Toronto Pearson Airport says it handles about 160,00 passengers per day during its busiest summer season. The airport expects 11.2 million passengers throughout the ummer, spokesperson Sean Davidson told CBC Toronto on Wednesday. "That is like trying to move a small city through the airport every single day," he said. Here's some of what Davidson and Dominique Huras, who works for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), recommend people keep in mind when coming to the airport: Make sure you double check your liquids: the rule is anything that can be sprayed, poured or spread has to be in a 100 ml or smaller container, and they have to all fit in a one-litre clear resealable bag. Weighted stuff toys and powder make-up are subject to a 350 ml granular materials limit. If travellers are unsure, they should check the CATSA website for clarification. U.S. travellers can save time by submitting their passport information and customs forms digitally. Make sure to check wait time dashboards to ensure you have sufficient time to board the plane. Travellers can reserve parking spots online.
CTV News
29-06-2025
- CTV News
Delays continue at Vancouver airport, travellers urged to check flight status
A plane is silhouetted as it takes off from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., Monday, May 13, 2019. The RCMP says air restrictions will be in place in two main areas during the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit in Alberta this June. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward People flying into or out of Vancouver International Airport are being told to check their flight status Sunday because NAV Canada 'resource constraints' are continuing to impact schedules. On Saturday, YVR saw widespread delays that prompted the airport to extend the hours at CATSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to accommodate delayed travellers. Food service kiosks also stayed open later to serve those impacted by delays. 'Passengers may experience changes to their flights as a result of this,' an update on the airport's website Sunday said. 'Please check the latest flight status directly with your airline before coming to the airport.' The airport's departures page shows 18 flights delayed Sunday morning. Thirty arrivals are also impacted.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Canada Day travel: What food can you bring on a plane in Canada? 7 best snacks to pack for your next flight, and the ones you should avoid, according to a dietitian
Canada Day weekend and summer travel can come with a set of headaches, especially when you're travelling by air. Stress levels can be high while navigating busy terminals and possibly delayed flights, but once you pass through security, many of us seek out snacks to take on board. However, purchasing overpriced airport food is often the last thing you want to do. Don't leave your snacking options up to the vendors: Pack your own airport-friendly travel snacks. Obviously, you can't just take any snack with you through security. That's why it's important to pack snacks that are approved by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) — and those that will also keep you feeling full throughout the flight. First off, make sure your snacks comply with airport security rules. According to the CATSA website, non-solid foods are considered part of your 'liquids, aerosols and gels.' That means they're subject to the same rules as your shampoo or toothpaste. Food is not exempted from restrictions on liquids. If you plan on packing non-solid foods in your carry-on like jam, pudding, yogurt, peanut butter, chocolate spread or cheese spread, they must be 100 ml or less, and all containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than one litre in capacity. Freezing the food will not skirt these rules. According to CATSA, the food must be solid at room temperature. For those who prefer not to store peanut butter or yogurt next to their perfume, solid food items may be a better option. CATSA rules say sandwiches, apples, granola bars, cheese cubes, vegetables, bread, solid candies, chocolate bars, cookies, chips and muffins, among many other solid food items, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada. However, keep in mind if your destination is outside of Canada, any food not consumed will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting. With these security measures in mind, Yahoo Canada spoke to Shirley Khuong, a registered dietitian with JM Nutrition, about which snacks to take aboard. Here's what she recommended. 'Try to look for something that has a balance of enough fibre, a vegetable component and, if it's bread, does it have a whole wheat, whole grain component to it,' Khuong said. 'The fibre will really slow down your digestion and help you feel more full, and you can look for a fruit component as well.' A whole wheat wrap rolled up with brie and apple could be a good example of a snack that hits those marks. 'Look for veggies that are easier to pack and more dry. So, easy-slice foods that aren't as watery like celery, carrots, red peppers and cucumbers could be a good choice,' she said. 'Those are all really good for hydration as well.' If you have room in your carry-on liquids bag, you can bring aboard small packages of hummus, guacamole or nut butter. Trail mix is a hiking staple for good reason, it's easily packable, lasts a long time and keeps you feeling full. Khuong suggested making your own mix of nuts and dried fruit at home. For example, mix unsalted nuts, dried fruits and perhaps a little bit of chocolate for added sweetness. Small baked goods, like homemade muffins, can be made ahead of time, and the recipes can be optimized for air travel. 'You could add protein powder in it, or cottage cheese,' she said. 'Muffins can last while you're travelling, they don't have much of a scent and they're easy to carry around.' Plus, they're balanced thanks to a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. 'Those are always so easy to carry, especially apples, pears or bananas, because they're a whole piece and you can just throw them out when you're done,' she said. If you have room for a small box of berries, Khuong recommended this as they can boost hydration levels. 'This one is kind of hit or miss for some people,' Khuong said, 'but if you packed a boiled egg, some nuts, and either vegetable sticks or crackers, that's an easy, balanced snack.' The egg provides protein, while the nuts add some healthy fats and protein, and the veggies provide healthy carbs. Meat sticks are a good source of protein, but Khuong suggested travellers avoid the more processed options and those high in sodium. Another idea is to swap pepperoni sticks for chicken slices, which can be lower in unhealthy fats, and pack some pre-packaged cheese sticks. It's not a snack per say, but staying hydrated while travelling is essential. Purchasing bottles of water at the airport gates can be pricey, not to mention environmentally unfriendly. Instead, pack your own (empty) reusable water bottle and fill up at a water fountain after security. 'You can just fill up and it's a lot more convenient for you without having to spend that extra little bit of money on your trip that you might want to save for something else,' she said. Certain foods can make you feel uncomfortable onboard an airplane. For example, if beans or chickpeas naturally tend to leave you feeling bloated or gassy, Khuong said it might be a good idea to avoid them on travel days. Consider skipping raw cruciferous vegetables, too, like cauliflower or broccoli, in favour of something that will keep you feeling fuller for longer. 'Choose snacks that are higher in protein and lower in saturated fats,' Khuong said. 'For a snack, aim for five to 10 grams of protein per serving, and two grams of fibre or more per serving.' You might want to avoid overly salty foods as well. Salty chips and processed foods, for example, may leave you feeling dehydrated. 'If you're concerned about how often you're going to the washroom, avoid salty foods, which can make you more thirsty,' Khuong said.
