'Common sense' items allowed on U.S. flights despite list

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Transport Canada says travellers can bring "common sense" carry-on articles on flights to the United States despite a list suggesting only 13 approved items are permitted.

In the wake of a failed terrorist plot to blow up an airplane on Dec. 25, the federal government banned carry-on luggage for U.S.-bound flights with the exception of 13 items. The list - which includes small purses, laptops, coats and medication - left travellers confused about whether they could take other things, such as books, iPods and computer cases.

In an interview Thursday, a Transport Canada spokeswoman said U.S.-bound travellers can bring additional items not on the list that are "essential" during flights.

"It's common sense. If you don't need it inside the plane, just check it," said Maryse Durette, a Transport Canada spokeswoman.

Ms. Durette said airport screeners have "discretionary power" to allow additional items, including books, iPods and toys for children.

But she said carry-on luggage can vary depending on flight length. She raised the example of children's handheld game consoles: "If it's a Toronto-Detroit flight, do you really need it? If it's a Montreal-Los Angeles flight then I think it would be a good reason to bring it."

Ms. Durette said Transport Canada is limiting carry-on luggage for U.S.-bound flights in an effort to speed up the screening process given the new security measures.

"What we wanted people to do was reduce the amount of stuff they bring into the cabin so that the screening would not … cause any delay basically. There's a big matter of common sense. When people travel, let's say do you need your laptop and your camera and your iPod and your book when you do a flight Montreal-Boston? Or can you just go with a book for this time and check the rest? It's common sense basically."

Transport Canada banned carry-on baggage with the exception of 13 specified items on Dec. 28. "Passengers travelling to the United States are not allowed to bring carry on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions. Passengers may carry with them one or more of the following items: medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags."

The website of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which is responsible for airport screening, reiterates the carry-on ban, saying: "These rules will be strictly enforced during this period. There will be no flexibility."

Transport Canada adopted the carry-on restrictions for U.S. flights after a Nigerian man tried to blow up a Detroit-bound passenger plane on Dec. 25 by concealing explosives in his underwear.

What carry-on items have you taken on flights to the United States since the new rules were adopted? Share your stories through our comments function.