Navigate Canadian airports with confidence, including accessibility services and special assistance
Accessible travel tips and assistance services for comfortable Canadian airport experiences
Simplify your Canadian airport check-in
Check in online 24 hours before your flight to select seats and prepare your boarding pass.
Free mobility services at Canadian airports
All Canadian airports offer free wheelchair and mobility assistance. Request in advance or at the airport.
If you've requested wheelchair assistance, arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than usual. This ensures the attendant has time to help you through check-in, CATSA security, and to your gate without rushing.
Senior-friendly screening with dignity and respect
CATSA security officers are specially trained to provide respectful, dignified screening for senior travelers. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance or accommodations you need.
Canada's rule for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels through security
The 3-1-1 rule is CATSA's regulation for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on bag. Here's what the numbers mean:
3.4 ounces (100 ml)
Maximum container size for each liquid, aerosol, or gel item
1 clear, resealable plastic bag
All containers must fit in one clear 1-liter (quart-sized) bag per passenger
1 bag per passenger
Each traveler can bring only one liquids bag through security
More items than you think! These all count toward the 3-1-1 limit:
Toiletries
Cosmetics
Food & Beverages
✓ Items NOT Subject to 3-1-1 Rule (Exempt)
These items can exceed 100ml and don't need to fit in the liquids bag:
⚠️ Notify CATSA officer at the beginning of screening if you have exempt liquids
Pack Travel-Size Containers
Buy small 100ml bottles or transfer toiletries into travel containers. Available at drug stores and dollar stores.
Check Container Size, Not Amount Inside
Even if a 200ml bottle is only half-full, it will be confiscated. The container must be 100ml or less.
Use a Clear Ziplock Bag
Freezer bags work perfectly. Approximate size: 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8"). Have it ready to remove from your carry-on at security.
Pack Large Bottles in Checked Luggage
Full-size shampoo, lotion, and other liquids can go in your checked bag without restrictions.
Solid Items Don't Count
Solid deodorant, solid lipstick, and bar soap are NOT liquids and don't need to be in the liquids bag.
Keep Liquids Bag Accessible
Place your liquids bag on top of your carry-on so you can quickly remove it at security. Officers need to see it separately.
What Happens If You Forget?
If you accidentally bring oversized liquids or too many items:
Smart Senior Strategy
Minimize liquids in carry-on: Pack only essentials (medications, small hand sanitizer, chapstick). Put everything else in checked luggage. This makes security screening faster and less stressful!
CATSA officers understand seniors may need extra time. Here's what to expect:
Document Check
Show your ID and boarding pass to the officer. Take your time - there's no rush.
Prepare at Your Own Pace
Find a bench if available. Remove jacket, belt, shoes. Place items in bins. Officers will wait for you.
Body Scan
Walk through metal detector or stand in scanner. If you have mobility issues, alternative screening is available.
Collect Items
Take your time gathering belongings. Use benches at end of checkpoint to get dressed comfortably.
Age-based considerations at Canadian security checkpoints
Discretionary Courtesy
Officers are trained to use discretion and may offer modifications (like allowing shoes to stay on) for elderly passengers who appear to need assistance. This is not a guaranteed right based on age alone.
Assistance
Seniors can request assistance at any point. CATSA offers a "Passenger Support Specialists" program for travelers who need extra time, help with bins, or have hidden disabilities (which can include age-related conditions).
Standard Rules Apply Formally
Technically, all standard screening rules apply: shoes, jackets, and belts may need to be removed, and all carry-on liquids must comply with the 100ml limit. However, an officer observing a senior struggling may proactively offer to let them keep shoes on.
NEXUS/Trusted Traveler
Seniors with NEXUS membership use the expedited lanes, where they can keep shoes, light jackets, and belts on.
Always inform CATSA officers about medical devices BEFORE screening begins
Common Medical Devices That Require Notification:
Cardiac Devices
Insulin & Drug Delivery
Orthopedic Implants
Neurological Devices
Important: Body Scanners & Medical Devices
Most medical devices are safe for body scanners, but if you're concerned:
Helpful Documentation
Carry a doctor's note or medical device card explaining your implant/device. This speeds up screening and provides peace of mind.
Medications are exempt from the 100ml liquid rule and are always allowed in carry-on bags:
Allowed & Recommended
Pro Tips for Medications
Controlled Substances
For narcotics or controlled substances, carry a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter, especially for international travel.
All mobility aids are permitted and will be screened separately. You can use them right up to the screening checkpoint:
Wheelchairs & Scooters
Use your wheelchair right up to the metal detector. Officers will help you transfer if needed. Manual screening available.
Canes, Walking Sticks & Crutches
Will be visually inspected and possibly X-rayed. You can have them back immediately after screening.
Walkers & Rolling Walkers
Must be screened separately through X-ray. Officers will assist you while it's being screened.
Hearing Aids & Glasses
Can remain on during screening. Notify officer if you have difficulty hearing instructions.
Ask for Help
CATSA officers are trained to assist seniors with mobility aids. Don't hesitate to ask for help transferring, balancing, or carrying items through screening.
If you cannot go through the standard screening process, alternative options are available:
Pat-Down Screening
Available if you can't use the body scanner due to medical devices or mobility issues. Conducted by same-gender officer with dignity and respect.
Seated Screening
If you can't stand, screening can be done while seated. Just let the officer know you need to remain seated.
Private Screening
Request a private screening room if you need more privacy or have medical conditions that require discretion.
Companion Assistance
Your travel companion can assist you through screening and stay with you throughout the process.
Dress for comfort and to speed up the screening process:
Recommended
Avoid if Possible
Take Your Time
CATSA officers will not rush you. Use the benches before and after screening to organize yourself comfortably.
Communicate Your Needs
Speak up if you need help, have difficulty hearing, or require special accommodations. Officers are there to assist you.
Travel with Companion
If possible, travel with a companion who can help carry items, assist with bins, and provide support through screening.
Bring Medical Documentation
Doctor's notes for medical devices, medication lists, and medical device cards make screening faster and less stressful.
Use Wheelchair Service
Even if you can walk short distances, wheelchair service ensures you don't tire yourself before your flight. The attendant stays with you through security.
Consider NEXUS if you travel frequently
NEXUS provides faster security screening with dedicated lanes at major Canadian airports. Especially helpful for seniors who want to avoid long waits:
Perfect for Seniors Who:
Navigate Canadian terminals comfortably
Take your time navigating to your gate. Canadian airports offer excellent services for comfort.
Board early and comfortably
Most Canadian airlines offer priority boarding for seniors and passengers needing extra time.
Arrive
2.5 Hours
Extra time for assistance
Arrive
3.5 Hours
More time for customs
Add
30 min
For wheelchair service
Always keep medications in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Bring enough for your trip plus 3-5 extra days. Keep them in original prescription bottles for easy CATSA screening.
Bring an empty water bottle through CATSA security and fill it after. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and slip-on shoes. Bring a light sweater as Canadian airports can be cool.