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Restricted and prohibited items

Certain items are restricted or prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage for safety and compliance with CATSA regulations. Please review the following guidelines carefully before packing for your trip.

Prohibited items in carry-on baggage

The following items are not allowed in carry-on bags under any circumstances:

• Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors over 6 cm, and tools like screwdrivers.
• Sporting Equipment: Items like hockey sticks, golf clubs, or baseball bats.
• Weapons or Replicas: Firearms, ammunition, stun guns, or realistic toy weapons.
• Explosives and Flammable Items: Fireworks, lighters, matches, and gasoline.
• Dangerous Chemicals: Bleach, acids, and other corrosive substances.

Exceptions:

• Small personal grooming items such as nail clippers and safety razors are permitted.
• Medical syringes are allowed if accompanied by proper documentation.

Prohibited items in checked baggage

Some items are not permitted in checked baggage due to safety concerns:

• Explosives and Ammunition: Includes fireworks, gunpowder, and flares.
• Compressed Gases: Propane, butane, or scuba tanks that have not been emptied.
• Corrosive Substances: Battery acid, wet cell batteries, or pool chemicals.

Lithium Batteries: Loose lithium batteries or devices with watt-hour ratings exceeding limits.

Prohibited battery-operated transportation devices

Due to safety concerns, we do not allow the following lithium battery-operated personal transportation devices: 

• Hoverboards
• Air wheels
• Balance wheels/balance gliders
• Electric skateboards
• Electric bikes
• Mini or large Segways
• Recreational scooters
• Baggage with integral charging points. (e.g. Modobags)

 These personal battery-operated vehicles are not accepted in checked baggage or carry-on baggage due to safety concerns associated with the lithium batteries that power them.

Special Note:

Firearms and ammunition may be transported only with prior approval and must comply with our specific requirements.

Restricted items

Certain items are allowed but must follow specific rules:

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels: Carry-on liquids must be in 100 ml or less containers and placed in a clear, resealable bag. Larger containers must be checked.

Battery-Powered Devices: Portable chargers and spare batteries must be carried in the cabin and protected against short circuits.

Medical Devices: Mobility aids, portable oxygen concentrators (POC), or CPAP machines are permitted with prior notice.

Transporting pets

All pets must be transported according to our pet policy. Animals not meeting travel requirements will not be accepted. Learn about Pets Onboard here. Travelling with a Service or Emotional Support Dog? Explore our policy here.

Smoking material

Lighters and matches are allowed in carry-on bags but not checked bags. Electronic cigarettes must be stowed unused in carry-on baggage at all times. They are not permitted in checked baggage. Liquid to refill an electronic cigarette is permitted in quantities of 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or less.

Alcohol

Commercially produced alcohol containers are accepted as checked baggage, provided they are in their original retail packages and conform to relevant Canadian laws. The percentage of alcohol by volume must be 70% (140 proof) or less, and for alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume, it cannot exceed five litres per person. Alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol or less are not subject to these limitations on quantities.

Cannabis

Customers may bring cannabis in checked baggage and carry-on baggage and are responsible for knowing the laws and regulations in effect at their destination within Canada. Liquid and topical forms of cannabis are subject to liquid, aerosol, and gel restrictions in carry-on baggage and must be placed in a 1-litre clear, closed, and resealable plastic bag. Customers may not use or consume cannabis on the aircraft.

For medical purposes, the amount of cannabis you carry must be in accordance with the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. For more information, see Health Canada’s Guide to Understanding the Regulations. Cannabis oil is permitted in carry-on in a quantity of more than 100 ml when used for medicinal purposes, and you will need to remove it from your carry-on and present it to the screening officer at the entry to pre-board screening. However, if the amount of oil is 100 ml or less, it must be placed in a 1-litre clear bag with other liquids, aerosols and gels.


For details regarding travelling with Cannabis, see Cannabis in Canada.

Firearms

Arrangements must be made at least 48 hours before scheduled departure before such items can be transported.

We only accept firearms and ammunition on flights within Canada.

Firearms for hunting and sporting purposes may be accepted as checked baggage in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. Firearms shall be declared, and failure to declare a firearm is deemed a breach of the Contract of Carriage. Other than for hunting and sporting purposes, firearms are prohibited from carriage as baggage.

We will accept only the following types of firearms: Shotguns, BB guns, pellet guns, Starter pistols, Unrestricted Rifles, Air pistols, and Paintball guns (cartridges/tanks for paintball guns will only be accepted if empty, with the valve secured in the open position). Tasers and stun guns are prohibited from transport.

Each firearm must be carried and packaged in a locked, heavy-duty container or hard-sided (opaque) gun case, accompanied by a signed declaration, unloaded, and rendered inoperable by bolt/trigger lock or disassembly. No ammunition can be carried.

Once the firearms have been checked in, the passenger will not have access to them. If any bag exceeds the allowance, extra and overweight baggage charges will apply.

Country-specific restrictions

Different countries have unique restrictions on certain items, such as alcohol, food, or medications. Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the destination country’s rules.

How to pack safely

• Check the CATSA website for a complete list of restricted and prohibited items: www.catsa.gc.ca.
• Ensure restricted items are properly declared at check-in or screening.

Do`s and Don`ts

Still have questions?

If you're unsure about an item, please contact our Customer Care team or refer to CATSA’s What Can I Bring? Tool.