Ottawa, February 12, 2009 – As thousands of Canadians get ready for their spring break getaway, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is reminding air travellers to pack smart to help speed security screening during this busy travel period.
“While security is our top priority, we are constantly looking for opportunities to improve the passenger’s travel experience. That is why CATSA’s Pack Smart campaign is aimed at better informing passengers about being prepared for security checkpoints at airports across the country, especially during the busy spring break travel period,” said Kevin McGarr, CATSA President and Chief Executive Officer.
As airports and airlines expect to see a rise in passenger traffic over the coming weeks, this high volume of travellers can also mean long lines at the security checkpoints. To help reduce these lineups, CATSA will continue to deploy its new Pack Smart signage at airports across Canada.
CATSA will also accentuate its presence on the Web. In addition to the new Pack Smart Web page, CATSA will be reaching out to its partners within the aviation industry to improve its communications with passengers. A recent survey showed that 65% of air travellers are using the Internet to make their travel arrangements and 81% think that the Internet is a good way to reach them.
To get to their destination faster, passengers are invited to pack smart. Suntan lotions, water bottles, shampoos, hairsprays and the like should be packed in checked baggage. Containers smaller than 100 ml are allowed in carry-on bags, provided they are placed in a 1-litre re-sealable plastic bag – maximum one bag per passenger.
For more on CATSA’s spring break packing tips, please log-on to the Pack Smart Web page or call 1-888-294-2202.
CATSA, established on April 1, 2002, is a federal Crown corporation that operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is responsible for the provision of key aviation security services such as pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; random screening of non-passengers; and the acquisition, deployment and maintenance of explosives detection equipment at airports. CATSA is also responsible for the development and implementation of a restricted area identity card incorporating biometric features.
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For more information:
CATSA Communications
Mathieu Larocque
Direct: 613-998-4527
Cell: 613-291-7496
mathieu.larocque@catsa.gc.ca
