Transport Canada: Update on Canadian Aviation Security Measures

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2009) - Transport Canada reaffirmed today that recent additional security measures at Canadian Airports for flights to the United States remain in place until further notice.

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.

Additional searches of passengers and their exempted items will continue. Delays can be expected so passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their scheduled flight.

These measures were put in place at Canada's airports for flights to the United States as a result of a terrorist incident on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit.

Travellers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.

The Government of Canada is currently evaluating its next steps in response to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's new security directives. Transport Canada continues to regularly exchange information on the situation with our US colleagues.

For information on pre-board screening procedures or air travel within the U.S., please consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at http://www.tsa.gov/ or your travel agent.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

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