Tips to ease air travel woes during holidays

While the thought of seeing family and friends over the holidays may bring you joy, the thought of flying to see them may make you groan.

First there is the metaphorical Tetris game that is packing. You have to strategically place gifts and stuff bulky winter clothes into your suitcase, leaving room for little else. Keep some free space in case you receive some good old Canadian maple syrup, fancy perfumes or alcohol, because they are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

Liquid items in your carry-on must be less than 100 grams or 100 mL and all the containers have to fit into one plastic bag no larger than one litre, said a news release from Edmonton International Airport. Parents are allowed additional items such as baby wipes (350 mL) and ice coolers for breast milk.

On travel day you should arrive earlier than you normally would for a regular flight. Don’t worry about being bored because Edmonton International Airport has art displays, live musical performances and story dispensing kiosks to keep children occupied.

But before you can get to that airport fun, you must do the most gruelling task of all, pass through the security line. To help speed up the process, airport officials suggest travellers have travel documents in hand, have belt and boots removed as they approach the scanners and take laptops out of carry-on bags for inspection.

There are designated lanes for families and those with mobility needs, with volunteers who can assist with all the multi-tasking required.

Travellers are advised to contact the airline in advance if a wheelchair is required.

Travellers can return home from international destinations with $800 worth of purchased goods without being taxed. The eDeclaration mobile application can be downloaded to speed up the declaration process.