Luggage Restrictions Eased

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Carry on Luggage Restrictions Eased to U.S.

It took a while but it happened.

As of today Canadian passengers travelling to the United States can again carry two pieces of luggage on board, as announced by Transport Minister John Baird.

Transport Canada restricted travellers bound for the U.S. to one carry-on item after the December 25, 2009, event in which Umar Abdulmutallab tried, but did not succeed, in bringing down a passenger jet going to Detroit. He had explosives hidden in his underwear which lead to the introduction of new body screening devices in major airports. "The Government of Canada is unwavering in our commitment to implement the most effective measures possible for a safe and secure aviation system, while upholding a level of comfort and convenience for air travellers," Baird said in a press release. "With more robust air security measures in place for passengers, we are able to remove the temporary carry-on baggage restrictions put into place following the December terrorist attack." Full body scanners were quickly put in place in all of Canada's larger international airports to screen U.S. bound passengers.

Baird said the federal government is also "strengthening explosive trace detection" and plans to develop a passenger behaviour observation program.

As of today, passengers flying to the U.S. will be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item, such as a purse.