• Identity screening
• Pre-boarding Checklist
• Luggage
• Related links

Identity Screening

The Passenger Protect Program is an aviation security initiative aimed at keeping people who may pose an immediate threat to aviation security from boarding a flight.

Regulations

Identity Screening Regulations require all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 18 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding:

• One piece of valid government-issued photo ID that shows name, date of birth and gender

OR

• Two pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo), one of which shows name, date of birth and gender

The name on the identification must match the name on the boarding pass.

Transport Canada does not require travellers between 12 and 17 years of age to present ID before they are allowed to board an aircraft; however, most air carriers have a policy of requiring all passengers to present ID prior to boarding. Transport companies may be fined if they carry improperly documented travellers and are often liable to return those passengers to their point of origin.

When flying to the United States and other international destinations, consult the Travel Reports for country-specific entry requirements.

Specified Persons List

The Specified Persons List includes the name, date of birth and gender of individuals who may pose an immediate threat to aviation security, should they board a flight.

Pre-boarding Checklist

• Have a valid Canadian passport for all trips outside Canada.

• Make sure that you have all of the appropriate documents when travelling with a child and be aware of any regulations and conditions that may affect your trip.

• Be aware of any health safety requirements for foreign travel. In case of local health concerns, rigid health screening procedures or quarantines may be imposed. Consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health page for further information.

• Research your destination by consulting the Travel Reports and Global Issues, and monitor news broadcasts for up-to-date information about events that could affect your travel plans.

• Be patient and follow the orders of security officials at the pre-board screening checkpoint. Avoid comments about security measures that could be misinterpreted and cause undue problems.  

 Luggage

• Be aware of airline regulations for both carry-on and checked baggage. See Pack Smart.

• Pack your own bags. Never wrap or package gifts.

• Ensure that you are able to answer detailed questions about your luggage and can provide quick and easy access to all suitcases and packages.

• Never leave your luggage unattended and never take anything across a border for someone else.

• Make sure there are no sharp objects or items that might be considered weapons, such as nail files and medical syringes, in your carry-on luggage. Such items should be packed in your checked bag. Syringes for personal medical use must have the needle guard in place. Check with your airline for further details regarding permitted and non-permitted items.

• Ensure that electronic devices are charged and ready to be turned on for inspection.

• Pack prescription medication in its original container, accompanied by the doctor's original prescription.

Related links

• Passports
• Children and Travel
• Returning to Canada