Tips for flying through the Ottawa International Airport this season

Travellers wait in line at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Santa Claus will not be the only person flying over the holidays, and the Ottawa International Airport is offering tips for people travelling over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the busiest travel days of the year at the Ottawa Airport, with most flights at or near capacity, according to airport officials.

Travellers are being advised to check their flight status online before travelling to the airport, not to wrap gifts if they will be in your carry-on bag and ensure you have proper identification for your flight.

Here is what you need to know about flying through the Ottawa International Airport over the holidays.

Holiday music program

The Ottawa Airport Authority has decked the halls of the airport for the holiday season.

The holiday music program will run from Saturday to Christmas Eve, with holiday music to entertain passengers. Performers include Dickens Carolers, Sing House Studios, Maple Leaf Horn Quartet, the Celebration Brass Quintet, the Elevated Violinist and Jana Salameh.

Santa will visit the terminal on Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 24.

Before your trip

The Ottawa International Airport offers the following tips for people before heading to the airport:

• Check in for your flight online from home
• Ensure all travellers have proper identification
• If there is inclement weather, check your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport.
• Reserve parking online to guarantee your spot.
• Download your airline’s app for information.
• Find out if you’re a ‘Verified Traveller’ or consider joining the NEXUS or Global Entry program.

At the airport

• If you’re travelling to a sunshine destination, you can store your winter gear at the airport for a small fee. PARS 2000, located in the Arrivals area on Level 1, is open 24/7.
• Picking up a passenger? Wait for them at the airport’s Cell Phone Lot, located at the north-west corner of Airport Parkway Private and Air Cargo Private.

Packing for your trip

Travellers are reminded to ‘pack smart’ for their flight. Tips include:

• Don’t wrap Christmas gifts if you plan to travel with them in your carry-on luggage.
• The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority says avoid packing gifts or souvenirs containing liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on.
• Pack medications and valuables in your carry-on bag.

Carry-on luggage rules

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority says you can pack the following items in your carry-on luggage:

• Containers of liquids, non-solid food and personal items in your carry-on must be 100 ml/100 g or less. All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity.
• Each passenger is allowed a single 1 L bag containing liquids, food and personal items.
• Take your plastic bag out of your carry-on luggage at airport screening.
• Any containers over 100 ml/100 g can be placed in your checked baggage as long as they are not prohibited items.
• Weighted stuffed animals are not allowed to go through airport screening and need to be placed in checked luggage.
• Non-solid food in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less.