Heading on a trip from Canada? Don't get caught off guard at airport security!
When you’re flying from Canada, there are of course restrictions on what you can and can’t bring on board your flight. And while certain carry-on restrictions are obvious, others might surprise you. Here we look at 10 surprising things that you can’t pack in your carry-on luggage.
Understanding restricted carry-on items
What you can and can’t bring on a plane as carry-on luggage
Yes, we all know about the carry-on restrictions for liquids but there are plenty of other items that are restricted in your carry-on luggage. Some are obvious. Others less so.
If you’re asking, “can you bring a knife on a plane?” or “can you bring protein powder on a plane?” the answers might surprise you. Here we look at 10 items and detail whether you can bring them in your carry-on luggage. We’ll cover things like tent stakes, fishing hooks, lighters, and soup. Yes, some people even ask, “can I bring soup on a plane?”!
10 surprising items banned from your carry-on luggage
Avoid packing these items on your next flight
The next time you fly, make sure you know what you can and can’t bring in the cabin with our list of 10 surprising items that are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
1. Tent stakes
Heading to a music festival?
Tent stakes need to be packed in your checked luggage, as they're considered potential weapons. So, even if you’re travelling light, the fact you can’t bring tent stakes in your carry-on luggage means you’ll need to check a bag.
2. More than one lighter
That’s right, you can have a lighter, but no more than one
This one is simple: one lighter is okay to keep on your person, but packing extras in your carry-on is a no-no.
3. Soup
Or any liquid over 100ml
Remember the 100ml rule for liquids, gels, and pastes. An aerosol in your carry-on luggage counts as a liquid too. Top tip – take an empty reusable water bottle through security with you which can then be filled later.
4. A giant bag of protein powder
Smaller portions are not an issue
While not outright banned, containers over 350ml might raise eyebrows. Pack smaller portions or pack it in your hold luggage.
5. That "harmless" toy gun
Even if it's obviously fake
Anything resembling a weapon falls under the umbrella of restricted carry-on items. This should be packed in checked luggage to avoid any issues.
6. Your lucky fishing hook (if it's long)
Although, fishing rods are okay
Fishing rods are generally okay but hooks longer than 6cm need to be packed in your checked bags.
7. That "antique" sword letter opener
Even though this is not a weapon, it could be
Sounds cool, but sharp objects like this are a definite no-no in your carry-on.
8. Your DIY tie-dye kit
And other chemicals
Chemicals like bleach and dye are restricted. Save the tie-dye party for after your trip.
9. A "gag gift" stun gun
Even if it's not real
Self-defence items like stun guns are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and that includes replicas.
10. That super realistic water bottle grenade
Be wary of novelty gifts designed to look like offensive items
Novelty items resembling weapons are a big no-no. Leave them at home or pack them in your checked bags: water bottles, aftershave or perfume bottles, children's toys etc.
Items not permitted in carry-on luggage FAQs
If the banning of certain items still seems a little unclear, you can check out the official guidelines from Transport Canada.
Disclaimer: Information correct as of September 2024, obtained from www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca and www.tc.gc.ca - always check the latest guidance from official sources before booking your trip.
