Seniors

The section offers tips on planning your trip and what to do at the screening checkpoint, specifically for seniors who have limited mobility or specific medical needs.

Planning Your Trip

• If you need someone to help you through the screening checkpoint, please contact your airline in advance. The person assisting you will need authorization from the check-in counter, and will have to go through the same security screening as other passengers.
• If you are unable to lift your baggage onto the screening conveyor belt at the check-in counter, you should advise airline staff when your boarding pass is issued. For health and safety reasons, air carrier personnel familiar with baggage handling should provide you with any assistance necessary.
• For information related to specific medical conditions or equipment, please visit our travel advice for passengers with special needs page, or review the list of permitted mobility aids and medical items.
• Prescription medications and essential non-prescription medications are exempted from the 100 ml or 100 g (3.4 oz) limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. However, we recommend that these items be properly labeled (manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label identifying the medication).
• You can bring medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids. They can be brought in addition to the two carry-on bag limit. 

At the Screening Checkpoint

• If you are unable to lift your baggage onto the screening conveyor belt or need help removing your items from the bin after screening, you can let the screening officer know and request their assistance.
• If you are travelling with a mobility device like a walker or wheelchair, check if the Family/Special Needs lane is available when you get to the checkpoint. This lane features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, and screening officers who offer additional assistance to passengers needing more time or help with their belongings to get through security.
• If you are not able to walk through the walk-through metal detector unassisted, one of the following screening methods will be used:
  • Go through the walk-through metal detector with assistance from a non-metallic cane provided courtesy of CATSA (for temporary use for this purpose only)
  • Bypass the walk-through metal detector and be screened with a hand-held metal detector
  • Bypass the walk-through metal detector and undergo a full body scan
  • Undergo a physical search

• If you have an implanted medical device (e.g. pacemaker, infusion pump) or metal implant (e.g. hip or knee replacement or dental prosthetic) that you would like to remain confidential, please let the screening officer know. You can ask for a private search area if a physical search is needed.
• Any exempted liquids, like medications, should be removed from carry-on baggage for inspection.