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Travel
Information and Tips
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Can I carry this in my baggage?
When traveling, we sometimes bring items we think are OK, but some aircraft
accidents/incidents are due to dangerous goods. Dangerous goods are
defined as articles and substances which pose a significant risk to
health or property when transported by air. They include common items
such as batteries, butane gas, fire-works, ammunition, weed killer, paint,
mercury, etc. As an example security type
attaché cases incorporating dangerous goods such as lithium batteries
or pyrotechnics are totally forbidden for transportation by air.
Get
the list of what you can and cannot bring on board the aircraft.
 Packing
your bags Video
Read the
Packing your bags video transcript or view the 30 second spot on:
- Packing your bags message in Real Player
- Packing your bags message in Windows Media Player
- Packing your bags message in Windows Media Player (56K)
 Packing
your carry-on
Video
Read the
Packing your carry-on video transcript or view the 30 second spot
on:
-
Packing your carry-on message in Real Player
- Packing your carry-on message in Windows Media Player
-Packing
your carry-on message in Windows Media Player (56K)
Learn more about how Transport Canada helps protect the safety
of Canadians - whether traveling by air, road, water or rail.
Many Web sites have travel tips that can help you whenever you fly.
The following sites s will get you started:
Should on-site assistance be required, CANUTEC can activate industry
emergency response plans such as TEAP, the Transportation Emergency
Assistance Plan, operated by the Canadian
Chemical Producers' Association or on-site assistance from other
industry or government specialists. CANUTEC has the capability of
initiating Emergency Response Assistance Plans (ERAP). These plans are
generally prepared by shippers and are registerered with Transport
Canada. They are required for dangerous goods listed in Schedule XII
of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG). Voice communications and written information are retained in
confidence for two years for the protection of all parties. CANUTEC also offers a 24-hour emergency telephone service. Shippers
who wish to use CANUTEC's emergency telephone number on their dangerous
goods shipping documents, must first contact CANUTEC at (613) 992-4624.
In Canada, registration
with CANUTEC is free of charge.
Tips for air passengers
traveling by Air
Many people will be traveling by air this season to reach their
holiday destinations. Here are some things you should know to help
eliminate unnecessary delays when going through airport security and to
help you have a safe trip.
Before you
leave for the Airport:
-
Find out how many
pieces of luggage you are allowed to take with you. Checked and
carry-on baggage limits vary by airline and destination. It is a
good idea to tag all your bags with your name and contact
information before you get to the airport. Do not
use your home address or business title.
-
Pack your own bags;
never let someone else do it.
-
Liquids, gels and
aerosols in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams
(3.4 oz.) or less are permitted through pre-board security
screening as long as they fit comfortably in one (1) clear,
closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of
no more than 1 litre (1 quart). Please note that
bags stretched beyond their capacity are not permitted. One
bag per person.
Learn
more about security measures for liquids, gels and aerosols.
-
Passengers may
bring aboard baby formula, baby food, milk and juice if a child aged
two years and under is accompanying them. These items are exempt
from the size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a
plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items
to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to
additional screening.
-
Prescription
medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, as well as
insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines are permitted
in carry-on baggage. To speed up the screening process, passengers
should be prepared to present documentation supporting a medical
condition, i.e. a doctor’s note. These items are exempt from the
size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic
bag. However, passengers must declare all such items
to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to
additional screening.
-
Some liquids and
aerosols can pose risks to health, safety or the environment when
transported and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.
For more information, please refer to Transport Canada’s list of
dangerous goods.
-
Ensure there are no
sharp objects like scissors in your carry-on bag. Pack them in your
checked luggage instead.
-
Make sure
electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers and
portable or electronic games are charged and ready to turn on for
inspection, as you may be required to turn these devices on when
going through airport security.
-
Make sure you have
an appropriate piece of government-issued photo ID with you, such as
a driver's licence for domestic travel or a passport for
international travel. Keep your ID handy and accessible. You may be
required to show it at the check-in counter and before boarding your
flight.
-
Know how early you
should arrive at the airport. Check with your airline, because
check-in times may vary by airline and destination.
-
New security
measures can cause delays for travellers. Be sure to arrive well
before your departure time.
At the airport:
-
Do not joke about
hijackings or bombings. It is against the law.
-
Do not accept
parcels or letters from strangers for delivery to persons at your
point of destination. Never carry anything onto a plane for anyone
else.
-
Never leave your
luggage unattended, and keep your eyes on your bags at all times.
-
If you see an
unattended or suspicious bag or package, report it to airport
security immediately.
-
Bear in mind that
you may have to remove some items, such as shoes, when going through
airport security.
-
Be aware that metal
items may trigger metal detector alarms.
-
After you have gone
through airport security, you and your possessions may be subject to
random screening just prior to boarding the aircraft.
During the
flight:
-
Pay close attention
to the safety briefings at the beginning of the flight and know the
location of all exits. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
-
Be aware of which
electronic devices are and are not allowed to be used during the
flight. If you are unsure of the rules, consult a crew member.
-
Follow the
instructions of the crew at all times and be respectful of them and
the other passengers. It is illegal to behave in a threatening
manner towards others on board the flight. Remember, everyone is
entitled to travel in a safe and secure environment.
-
Inform the crew of
any disruptive behavior, follow their instructions and be courteous.
-
Drinking juice or
water during your flight - instead of coffee or alcohol - will help
keep you hydrated.
-
Try doing seated
leg exercises throughout the flight to help prevent stiffness.
Although air passenger travel has resumed following the tragic events
in the U.S., travelers should be prepared for some delays at airports
due to security measures. Heightened security at Canadian airports includes increased passenger
screenings enhanced baggage security procedures and more hand
searches of carry-on baggage.
If you are traveling soon, get your
free emergency traveling
card from any country to any country.
Following are some things you can do to help minimize delays and
avoid frustration at airports:
-
Long before departing for the airport, check with your airline to
ensure your flight is confirmed, then follow up shortly before
leaving to confirm your flight is on time
-
Arrive extra early at the airport - at least three hours in
advance for international flights, and two hours in advance for
domestic flights.
-
Bring photo identification when
traveling.
-
Do not wrap or package gifts, so they can be inspected by security
personnel.
-
Pack lightly and travel with as little baggage as possible.
This will help reduce processing time at the airport.
-
Be patient; the heightened security measures are designed to
protect you!
Useful tips for airline travel
Air travel in commercial aircraft is fast, convenient, and safe with
the vast majority of passengers reaching near and distant destinations
safely and without serious health effects. However, aircraft
environment and travel related factors can cause certain stresses on
traveler and several tips can make travel more enjoyable.
EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE
Although aircraft cabins are pressurized, that pressure (called
barometric pressure) is less than that on the ground. For most flights,
cabin pressure is the same as that at 5,000 - 8,000 feet above sea
level. In other words, when you are flying, the atmosphere within the
aircraft is like that on the 5,000 - 8,000 feet peak of a small
mountain. This has two effects: there is less oxygen available because
the pressure of oxygen becomes lower; and, gas within our body cavities
expands. Both of these phenomena are usually well tolerated by healthy
passengers.
A) Oxygen
There is less oxygen absorbed into the blood and circulated through
the body during flight as compared to ground level due to a decreased
oxygen within an increased cabin altitude. As long as you are in
reasonably good health, your body has physiological mechanisms that
compensate for this decreased quantity of oxygen. On the other hand,
passengers with significant heart, lung, and blood diseases may not
tolerate lower amounts of oxygen very well. Therefore, they should consult their
physician before air travel to evaluate their capability to travel and
to determine if there is a need for medical oxygen or other special
assistance. Medical oxygen can be arranged with most airlines and it is
important to check with your carrier several days in advance of the
flight. Further, the combination of low oxygen, alcohol, inactivity
and sleep can generate unpleasant side effects like dizziness and/or
fainting if one stands up too fast after awakening. Arm and leg
exercises before standing up will usually prevent this.
B) Gas Expansion
The body contains air in the middle ear (inside of the ear drum) and
sinuses. As the aircraft ascends, the air in these cavities will expand
to the outside via tubes connecting them to the nose. On descent the
reverse occurs with air flowing from outside to these cavities via the
same tubes. This is well tolerated as long as the air can flow into and
out of these cavities freely. To facilitate the free flow of air,
particularly on descent, it is helpful to periodically swallow, chew, or
yawn. (This is why it is important that passengers stay awake during
descent.) Give something to drink to young children or a pacifier to
infants. Individuals with ear, nose and sinus infections should
avoid flying because the congestion prevents the air from flowing freely
in and out of these cavities which could result in pain, bleeding, and
possibly a ruptured ear drum. Also,
avoid gas forming foods or liquids before flight.
THE CABIN ENVIRONMENT
A) Air Quality
In all modern pressurized aircraft, half the cabin air is fresh air
drawn in via the engines with the other half recirculated from the
cabin. The recirculated air is ducted through an air filter (see HEPA
below) before being reintroduced into the cabin. There is a total air
change (filtered recirculated plus outside air) every 2 - 3 minutes or
20 to 30 exchanges per hour. This is far more than for any home or
office building and easily maintains cabin contaminants to low levels.
Several studies over the past 10 - 15 years have confirmed that the levels
of volatile organic compounds (solvents), airborne particules, carbon
monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and microbials were well within
acceptable health levels of our regulatory agencies.
The newer aircraft with recirculation
systems use High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA). They are the
same as in hospital operating rooms and trap particulates and microbials
(bacteria, fungi, and some viruses). Although there have been cases of
infectious disease transmission in aircraft cabins, there is evidence
that transmission was due to person-to-person contact by breathing or
coughing on one’s neighbor rather than through the aircraft
ventilation system. Person-to-person transmission can occur in any
confined space whether in an airplane, office, or room. For this reason,
individuals with contagious diseases, particularly serious ones such as
TB, should not travel by air until the illness is in remission.
B)
Humidity
Aircraft cabin relative humidity is
usually less than 20%, which is fairly dry. Although these low levels
may be a source of mild discomfort (dry skin and eyes), there is little
risk to your health.
Minimize discomfort from dryness by:
-
drinking reasonable amounts of water
and juices.
-
limiting consumption of alcohol, tea,
coffee, and caffeinated drinks because they cause you to lose
fluids.
-
wearing spectacles instead of contact
lenses - eyeglasses.
-
applying a skin moisturizer.
C) Motion
For those susceptible to motion sickness:
-
request a seat over the wings.
-
schedule flights on larger airplanes.
-
request a window seat.
-
avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior
to flight and in flight.
-
keep seat belts fastened while seated.
-
consult your physician about motion
sickness medication if necessary.
D) Space
Because of crowding in some aircraft, passengers are frequently
uncomfortable and unable to stretch or easily leave their seats. In
susceptible individuals, prolonged periods of immobility, can increase
the risk for blood clots to form in the legs. These can occur in a train,
car, bus, or aircraft. Consequently, it is called travelers thrombosis.
There is no epidemiological evidence of a particular link with air
travel itself.
Travelers thrombosis can cause pain
and/or swelling of the legs during travel or even for several days or weeks
afterwards. Clots in the legs are not serious in themselves, but
occasionally they break off and travel to the lungs causing what is
called pulmonary embolism. This is not a common occurrence but when it
does happen, it can be life threatening. Nevertheless,
a few simple tips might decrease the risk:
-
Wear loose clothing and avoid tight,
restrictive garments.
-
Place nothing under the seat in front
of you so you can stretch and periodically exercise your feet and
ankles.
-
Drink mainly juices and water while
minimizing alcohol and caffenated beverages.
-
Walk about the cabin periodically
(every 60 - 90 minutes).
-
Consult your physician if you have
any underlying illness such as coronary artery disease, cancer, or blood
clotting disorder.
MISCELLANEOUS
Passengers requiring prescription medications should always carry them
on board in their hand luggage. This is especially important if you are
taking medication for heart disease, diabetes, or seizures.
Jet lag is often associated with air
travel especially when crossing multiple time zones. The symptoms of jet
lag are multiple and vary with each individual, but result mainly from
the internal body clock being out of sync with the daily schedule at
the travel destination. Sleep is also often disrupted, leading to
additional fatigue. Adjusting to jet lag is generally easier when travel
is to the west, but most travelers adjust to the new time after a few
days. Several tips may help diminish the effects:
-
Rest well before the flight.
-
Try to move 1-2 hours toward the
destination time before flight, if your schedule permits.
-
Eat lightly before and during the
flight.
-
Once departed, reset watches and other
activities to the destination time.
-
Drink water and fruit juices in
flight
and minimize alcoholic beverages.
-
Consider using caffeinated beverages
strategically during the day to mask fatigue but avoid use within
4-6 hours of bedtime when the effect may make sleep onset more
difficult.
-
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
-
Schedule outdoor activities on the
first few days at the new destination.
-
After arrival, adjust to destination
time as soon as possible.
-
Limit naps to a single nap of 30-40
minutes or less. Go to bed and awaken at the appropriate time for
the new time zone.
-
Discuss with your physician if sleep
medication could be beneficial.
-
For travelers who SCUBA dive, it is
advisable to wait 24 hours after the last dive before taking to the
skies so as to minimize the risk of developing decompression
illness, such as the bends.
CONCLUSIONS
Air travel, whether for business or pleasure, whether short haul or long
haul, is safe and should be enjoyable. Understanding the aircraft cabin
environment and planning ahead can make your journey more comfortable
for the healthy traveler as well as the traveler with medical conditions
or special needs. If in doubt, check with your physician or your
airline.
TIPS FOR HEALTHY COMFORTABLE AIR TRAVEL
Plan ahead:
-
Be sure your immunizations are
current.
-
Delay your trip if you are not well.
-
Reserve a seat by the wing if you are
prone to air sickness.
-
Seek the advice of your physician if
there is any question.
-
Allow ample time to check in and reach
your departure gate.
-
Carry your medication with you.
-
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and
comfortable shoes that have been worn previously.
In flight:
-
Eat lightly.
-
Drink water and fruit juices.
-
Do not place anything under the seat
in front of you so you can stretch and exercise your legs.
-
Stand and walk about the cabin
periodically.
-
Relax and enjoy your flight.
Air Rage
Interference on board an aircraft will not be tolerated - transport
may be denied. Passengers are entitled to
travel in a safe and secure environment. Under the Criminal Code of
Canada and the Aeronautics Act, it is illegal to behave in a manner that
is threatening to crew members and passengers. The crew will not
tolerate any disruptive behavior. Police will be asked to meet
the aircraft upon arrival. Anyone in contravention of the law, or
anyone violating the rights of others will be intercepted by the police
upon landing. That person may be:
-
Arrested
-
Charged
-
Prosecuted
Anyone found guilty will
have a criminal record and may face fines up to CA$5,000 or
imprisonment. Examples of interference:
-
Harassment
-
Verbal abuse
-
Physical assault
-
Sexual offenses
-
Intimidating behaviors
-
Intoxication and
disorderly conduct
-
Disregard of smoking
regulations
-
Consuming
"carry-on" alcoholic beverages - and/or duty free
-
Refusal to follow
instructions of the crew
-
Endangering the safety
of the aircraft
Source: Transport
Canada- Safety Advice For
Everyone: TP13378 (pamphlet free)
Also available, Air Rage: Guidelines &
Procedures for Airlines
Baggage
You have to travel, you don't know what
to take with you. An old saying applies: take half as many clothes
and twice as much money. Minimize to 2 color themes, choose
wrinkle free fabrics , and remember; there are two kinds of luggage:
carry-on ... and lost...! For you, here is a useful list:
-
dressy jacket
-
2 pairs trousers/skirts/shorts
-
2-4 shirts
-
swimsuit
-
dark cardigan sweater
-
rainwear, umbrella
-
parka, coat or equivalent
-
3+ pairs of socks
-
3+ pairs undergarments
-
long lightweight underwear
-
long T-shirt or sarong as cover-up
-
necktie, scarf, hair band, bandannas
-
gloves, mittens
-
sun hat/ knitted cap, hat clip
-
1 pair dressy shoes
-
1 pair walking shoes/boots
-
belt
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