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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
More fun flying: Canada-USA
Robert Deutsch, Photographer
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NY | NY | USA | Posted: 9:37 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> From Canada's TSA:
"Temporary emergency measures include no carry-on bags to U.S.A.
Effective immediately, CATSA is implementing temporary emergency measures at security checkpoints under the direction of Transport Canada. These measures are in response to a failed terrorist attack on board an aircraft from Amsterdam to Detroit on December 25, 2009. These new measures will affect all flights from Canada to the United States.
U.S.A. bound passengers are permitted zero carry-on bags effective immediately and lasting for several days. Passengers travelling within Canada are still permitted two carry-on bags (although to make the screening process most efficient, fewer carry-on items is preferred).
These rules will be strictly enforced during this period. There will be no flexibility.
Carry-on bag means items to which a passenger has access to during a flight, but does NOT include personal items such as 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 "
original page at: bags.http://tinyurl.com/yhqxrpa
No idea if this will stay, I assume it will not... but take note if you plan to fly from Canada to USA soon.... |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 9:58 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> The Can-US restrictions did not expire when SD-1544-09-06 expired. It is believed than the CTA restriction should expire at the start of February.
This restriction is for flights from Canada to the US only, not on flights from Canada to anywhere else...or on flights from the US to Canada,
Happy Flying! |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:00 AM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> That's why I'm taking the train back from the Olympics to Seattle to spend a decompression day there before boarding a domestic flight. |
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Jon Blacker, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 10:13 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> I called the media contact at CATSA two days ago to ask specifically about flying to the US with equipment as carry-on and was assured that I would have no problems as exceptions for cameras and laptops are clearly made on the page Bob quoted above.
I sought specific clarification as our idea of cameras and screeners idea of cameras are vastly different, but was assured that I'd be fine. I will be carrying a copy of the page from CATSA's web site in my bag though. She did suggest keeping a eye on the site, hinting that there may be changes that might relax these restrictions somewhat.
I'm flying from Toronto to LA on the 17th for a week and will be carrying a typical road trip-filled LowePro backpack; 3 bodies, 5 lenses, a laptop. I am going to put as much of the peripheral junk (ie: chargers, cables, etc.) in my checked luggage though.
It seems the bigger problem will be waiting times to actually get through security as there are now two stages; primary where you put all of your junk through the xray machine and walk through the metal detector, then a secondary checkpoint further along which includes a visual inspection of and hand luggage and a physical pat-down.
I heard a story of someone who arrived at the airport in Toronto this morning 3 hours before his departure time and was delayed long enough going through the various security screenings that he missed his flight to the US.
It appears that now more than ever before, getting to the airport early will be crucial. |
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Matthew Ginn, Photographer
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 10:17 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> I flew from Toronto to NY on Dec. 30, with a small kit of camera gear.
Basically the deal is (was) that, in addition to more-vigilant checks by the normal airport security, there was a second checkpoint between them and the gates where RCMP officers physically patted down every passenger and examined every bag. That's why they're not allowing carry-on: too much to check.
My camera bag was examined by both the regular airport security (both x-ray and manual check) and again by the RCMP.
We had heard horror stories about the length of time it would take to get through security. For us, at least, we made it from check-in to the gate in less than an hour. (We went to the airport at about 1 p.m. for a 4:15 flight.) |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 10:56 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> Jon,
I have heard from a business traveller that he was delayed and missed his flight at YVR then three days later made it from curb to gate in under 45min at YYZ. Same guy, same baggage, both flights with Air Canada.
You can always fly Porter from YTZ and go curb to gate in 15min, even with the new security. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 11:22 AM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> all I have to say is, if you think this is bad try getting out of new delhi. THAT is one crazy security situation...especially if you have an afghanistan visa on your passport. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 11:29 AM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> I remember seeing that story of the crazy American journalist shooting his way out of New Delhi screaming "I have to get back to America. Coach K is expecting me." |
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Jon Blacker, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 11:54 AM on 01.07.10 |
->> Steve;
It's always hit & miss at YYZ flying to the US. I've made it through to the gate in 20 minutes and it's taken 90.
Unfortunately Porter doesn't fly to LAX off the Island (and I'm not sure I'd want to have to be on a Q400 that long even if they did), otherwise that might be an option. |
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Juerg Schreiter, Photographer
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Fort Lauderdale | FL | USA | Posted: 12:13 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> well all in all the travel situation is not improving. I just got back from Europe two days ago. I used the same carry on bag I've had for the last 3 years. So at the check in some crazy 'carry on tag distributing lady' looked at it and told me it was way to big and had to be checked in. I ignored her, proceeded to the check in counter, stuck the bag in the measuring crate where it fit perfectly. Then by the time I got back to Atlanta I had unpacked and repacked the bag 3 times at different check points. I was traveling light, 2 cameras, 3 lenses.
In Atlanta you could only get off the plane (at the gate) by showing your passport and then proceed to immigration. The line for US citizens was about double of the visitor line. At customs it was like a mob scene of people trying to get through and catch a connection. Then of course the enormous line to get through security again.
By the time I got home I was worn out. Zurich to Fort Lauderdale, just about 19 hours on the road.
What a fun day. |
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Melissa Wade, Photographer
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Boston | MA | USA | Posted: 1:28 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> Flew Saskatoon to Denver on United on 1/6. Cameras and laptops are on the allowed list, but not the bags they go in. Luckily had a very nice United employee get approval for me to put the 3 lenses that I didn't have a body for into a plastic bag (find yourself a small tote that fits within their tiny bag allowance - I brought the smallest I had taken with me on 12/25, but it was too large - also one of those non-bag protective things people use w/ laptops would be useful) and then had to drape myself with 4 bodies with the heaviest lenses, the plastic bag and my laptop. It was not fun. Luckily once I got on the tiny plane, the guy in the seat next to me volunteered to let the plastic bag go under his foot area as I barely got the cameras under mine.
Definitely a time to be super nice and understanding while still persistent. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 7:42 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> Melissa,
That sounds like an incredible, but entirely believable, application of government "logic."
I'm surprised they let you take the lenses. I mean, it says "cameras," not lenses. Or straps either, for that matter.
I feel safer already...
Chuck |
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Patrick Fallon, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Columbia | MO | USA | Posted: 7:55 PM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> Makes me happy that I got a Seattle flight for the Olympics... but no decompression here George! |
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Mike Last, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 9:03 PM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> Fortunately I just moved in across the street from YTZ so I can walk to the airport now. Have a flight on the 15th of this month to Newark with equipment and I'll have to get it all on the small regional, so great to hear they're still allowing cameras on-board. |
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David G. McIntyre, Photographer
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Beijing | . | CHINA | Posted: 9:05 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> What about flights from Canada, transiting through the US onward?
When I leave the Olympics, I fly Vancouver-SFO-Hong Kong.
Coming to the Olympics, I do HKG-NRT-SFO-Vancouver. I think that will be fine. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 9:54 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> David,
Flights transiting the US are subject to the same restrictions as those flying US direct. You'll need to split your baggage tags, pick up your bags and get back to the gate. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 11:15 PM on 01.07.10 |
| ->> fishster, sorry to be off topic....but you never responded to those questions on several other threads...but yet you jump in here..what gives dude? |
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Melissa Wade, Photographer
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Boston | MA | USA | Posted: 11:17 PM on 01.07.10 |
->> Chuck - Actually the sweetheart who got the okay for me did wonder if cameras with detachable lenses were okay or if they had to be one piece. I think on that one he just thought about it for a minute and decided things were fine. The quantity & the extra lenses were where he left to get an okay.
I did leave out one part. First went through regular security line and this time they only swabbed one camera (the one with the 300) instead of everything in the bag like they usually stop me to do. Then once I got to the gate area we had a second security thing to go through and besides having a much more thorough frisking, they picked up and looked through each camera (and the 3 detached lenses) and also had me turn each one on.
One of them said something about the extra strap hanging off the camera w/ the 300, but luckily she was just worried I had lost something.
One non-photographer thing - the metal detectors seem to be set to a pickier level as the metal in my ponytail barrette set off both security checks in Saskatoon as well as the one in Denver while I had no issues on the way out (on Christmas day) via Logan and Chicago. Might just be the different airports, but to save time, I'd doublecheck your clothing choices. |
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John Plassenthal, Photographer
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Vandalia | OH | USA | Posted: 11:10 AM on 01.08.10 |
->> The best part is that the "terrorist" on your flight didn't have any carry on luggage, cameras, laptops, or purses, but he got plastic knives at the restaurant in the security zone with his lunch, and stored them in his pants pockets for the flight.
We were in Hawaii over Christmas, and as we watched the news unfold while we were eating breakfast in the airport to switch islands, it was my 15 yr old daughter who brought up that we were given plastic knives with our meals. She thought they were pretty sharp and could be a weapon on the plane, making us wonder how often that happens.
Whenever there is a complete overreaction, the terrorists have achieved their goal. Yes we need security, but a little common sense would be appropriate as well. |
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Ron Scheffler, Photographer
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Hamilton (Toronto area) | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 8:49 AM on 01.09.10 |
| ->> May I suggest that if one is planning travel to/from one of the Canadian airports near the US border and can afford some extra travel time to instead fly to/from the nearest US airport and cross the border by car. For example, instead of flying through Toronto, use Buffalo, NY instead. Not only does one avoid the extra security hassles (I flew out of BUF on Dec. 26th and there were absolutely no changes in security procedures), but flights to/from BUF tend to be less expensive, the terminal is smaller, friendlier and rarely has check-in & security delays. Or just drive (maybe not a solution for a one week trip to LA). While the roughly 2.5 hour drive between Buffalo and Toronto is not as convenient, in the end it may equalize due to the delays caused by the extra screening. Although most on this board likely already know this, be aware that when one flies from a Canadian airport to the US, one passes through US customs and immigration before proceeding to the gate. This allows Canadian origin flights to arrive at US domestic terminals, but can add additional time to the pre-departure process. |
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Josh Merwin, Photographer
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New york | NY | USA | Posted: 9:19 AM on 01.09.10 |
| ->> I would highly recommend Ron's suggestion. I flew to South Africa Dec 11 and came back Dec. 31. I had to fly through Toronto. Both ways my baggage was delayed, causing me to miss both of my connections. Which I think is an airport issue, not a security issue. I went on Safari while I was in SA, so I had a roller bag full of gear. When I checked in they said the rules now restricted roller bags as carry on. So i had to pull the protective shell out of the lowe pro roller and out that in a duffle bag, which was actually larger than the roller. When I went through the first security check the guy told me that I could take the camera gear, but I had a 100 year old piece of small china that I would have to check. It was smaller than a coffee mug. Luckily I checked it and it didn't break! I went past this first guy, he was at a station similar to what they do when they check purses at a sporting event. I walked through a doorway to the normal security area with the metal detector and xray machine. They said the bag was too big etc. I showed them that it was all camera equipment and they said that it wasn't allowed as carryon. I had to get the first guy that saw it to come talk to them. They still weren't going to let me go. The manager for that area came down and he was debating for a while. He finally said I could take it, but it really could have gone either way. I don't know why Canada is being so much stricter than other countries/airlines. But I would strongly suggest not flying through there if you don't have to. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 10:37 AM on 01.09.10 |
| ->> Blame Canada! Blame Canada! |
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Chad Hipolito, Photographer
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Vancouver | BC | Canada | Posted: 2:00 PM on 01.09.10 |
->> "Blame Canada! Blame Canada!"
Um, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it the U.S. who banned carry on luggage first? The rest of the world had no choice but to comply. Nothing wrong with safer air travel of course, I'm all for it.
What would be a good idea is if they had in place a way for photographers to have their equipment inspected by customs, an hour or two before the flight where they slap a big bright yellow sticker on your bag saying that it has been inspected and approved by security for carry on. Voila!
Hmm, that would make me feel better about the safety of my camera equipment, my business, my life. I don't know how many times I've arrived at my destination and my luggage hasn't. |
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Robert Seale, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 3:38 PM on 01.09.10 |
->> I find it interesting that they are banning carry on luggage, when the last terrorist was using UNDERWEAR, not carry on luggage to try to blow up the plane.
The answer here is very clear.
Underwear must be banned while flying. |
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Robert Deutsch, Photographer
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NY | NY | USA | Posted: 3:44 PM on 01.09.10 |
| ->> and we are spending millions to install body scanners, that show everything EXCEPT private parts, for modesty. And where did that goofball hide the explosives? Duh.... |
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Ron Scheffler, Photographer
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Hamilton (Toronto area) | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 4:58 PM on 01.09.10 |
->> Chad, I believe the US requested secondary screening for flights to the US, but it was Canada (Transport Canada/CATSA) that decided to ban most carry-ons in order to speed up secondary screening.
Similar to Rob's original link but this time from Transport Canada:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/backgrounders-menu-5781.htm
"On December 28, Transport Canada put in place enhanced security measures for passengers on flights bound for the United States. Effective immediately, US bound passengers 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.
The purpose of this is to alleviate the immediate pressures at the security checkpoint resulting directly from the temporary emergency measures announced by Transport Canada on December 26th."
Notice the second paragraph in the statement that the new policy has nothing to do with security risks and is solely due to the extra workload. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 5:53 PM on 01.09.10 |
| ->> Uh...and what, pray tell, do you think prompted the "temporary emergency measures" on December 26th? Hmmm.... |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 1:34 AM on 01.10.10 |
->> Chad,
Baggage restrictions on in-bound flights into the United States were created initially by British Airways, followed by Virgin Atlantic then the CTA.
The rules were put into place due to the US created increased screening requirements. The US never made a baggage restriction. In fact with BA and Virgin created a baggage restriction on flights into the US, this restriction was not matched by the US carriers flying from the UK to the US. In fact at this time while the US is requesting further increased screening from foreign airports with flights into the US many nations and airport authorities have chosen to return to 'business as usual' and not comply with the US request.
The US request has not been viewed well outside the US with many airports and airport authorities taking an outright offense to the request for US TSA "Mission Creep" outside of their jurisdiction.
The CTA ruling has significant backlash and was created hastily in response to the US requirement request and the need to not increase passenger screening times. The CTA restrictions are expected to be lifted at the start of February ... but may be extended at the CTA's direction. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 1:40 AM on 01.10.10 |
->> ...keep watching the underwear developments. It may come out that the primary detonation device in the NW253 incident was concealed in a condom and that condom was placed in a body cavity.
None of the current technology would have detected a device hidden deep inside a body cavity. The fact that the device was likely concealed in a condom would have rendered the 'puffer' useless as well ... although the puffer should have detected the power substance sewn into the underwear.
I'll refrain from further comment on certain specifics as I am not looking forward to more conversations with DHS in the near future...
Clearly loaded Think Tank Airport International bags with gear Canon gear, Mountainsmith Parallax backpacks Nikon gear, Domke bags holding Leica kits and a North Face waits pack with a 5D MkII video kit are all clear indicators that someone is seeking to do harm to an aircraft loaded with passengers. .. and I won't even go into flight load factor and onward destination factors which are more complex but viable indicators or risk assessment because that would be logical...so we'll just keep looking at the 70 year old people flying between New York and Fort Lauderdale, they clearly are just flying back and forth on recon flights. |
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N. Scott Trimble, Photographer
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Lake Oswego | OR | USA | Posted: 2:29 AM on 01.10.10 |
| ->> Ugh. I am documenting a medical mission to Peru on the 20th and don't relish the prospect of all this crap before me. I am getting a Thinktank International loaned to me, and now I am wondering if it'll make it on the Delta flight. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 3:25 AM on 01.10.10 |
->> Scott
There are no restrictions for any flights from the US for foreign nations. As far as I know from the folks at LAN airlines there are no carry on restrictions from South America to the US. |
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N. Scott Trimble, Photographer
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Lake Oswego | OR | USA | Posted: 10:49 PM on 01.10.10 |
| ->> yah, I checked to, but the snowball is already rolling downhill, and I am a skeptic! |
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Jon Blacker, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 4:20 PM on 01.16.10 |
->> I just received my online check-in email from Air Canada for my flight tomorrow to LA. Nothing remarkable about that in and of itself as that's a standard notification that AC sends out the day before any flight.
What is notable though is this part:
As a result of additional security measures on flights from Canada to the United States imposed by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transport Security Administration, carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on piece per customer. Please restrict your carry-on baggage to one personal item only (such as a purse, computer bag, brief case, or diaper bag) or travel with no carry-on items whenever possible.
Notable largely because both CATSA's web site & Air Canada's own site still say that no carry-on is permitted (with the exceptions we already know about).
I've decided to forgo my original LowePro backpack plan & have loaded my gear into a ThinkTank UD60 that I picked up today instead; 3 bodies, 4 lenses & a MacBook. All of my cable, chargers, etc. are going in my checked baggage.
I'll post once I'm through security tomorrow morning to let anyone else crossing the border by air from Canada to the US know what to expect. |
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Jon Blacker, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 8:27 AM on 01.17.10 |
->> This morning at Pearson in Toronto (YYZ) I had no issues whatsoever clearing either stage of security. I was carrying a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60 with three bodies, 5 lenses, a Zomm H4n and a MacBook.
The first stage was the same as always; x-ray, swab, check one or two pieces of gear, have a nice flight.
The second stage wasn't much different, except the x-ray machine was replaced by a pat-down and the swab was replaced by taking every major piece of gear out of the bag for a visual inspection.
I was from curb to gate in an hour. Just about average. |
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Mike Last, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 1:26 PM on 01.17.10 |
->> Just back from a trip to Newark on Porter.
Only a small carry-on was allowed, similar to Jon's situation. All of my gear was in an F-Stop Tilopa backpack, which has a removable camera block. I checked the outer backpack with the chargers and cables, with my cameras and lenses in the block and just carried the block onto the plane. They still thought the block was too big but when I said it was all fragile camera equipment, they let it go through.
Also had the secondary pat down where I had to remove belts/shoes/stuff in pockets and place it in a bin, got patted while another agent looked through my camera block, and was then onto the plane.
On the flight home from EWR to YTZ today, no questions asked, backpack straight onto the plane. Interesting system to say the least. |
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Garrett Hubbard, Photographer
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Washington | D.C. | USA | Posted: 2:43 PM on 01.17.10 |
->> On sat Jan 16 I flew YVR to LAX and I've never faced a longer process to get through security.
1 carry-on so I chose my HD EX1 camera. Laptop + still body + 2 lenses in my checked baggage (they survived).
once I got my boarding passes and bags tagged I had to stand in another line to drop off my bags. Once I got to the front of the line I threw on my carry-on sized bag on a belt and they scanned my boarding pass. told me to take my pelican case to oversize. Then they searched it, swabbed it, again scanned my boarding pas and sent me on my way.
The line for for security was hideous! about 30-40 minutes at 6 a.m. on a saturday morning. turns out that once your carry-on, wallet, etc goes thru the metal detector they swab it all. then they had me put my hands in my pockets and they swabbed me. fun fun fun.
then went thru customs and he asked me what was in my large case. interesting that I had some sort of baggage manifest for the Customs officer to know such details.
Oh, and don't forget to Carnet list your gear. |
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Ron Scheffler, Photographer
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Hamilton (Toronto area) | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 2:14 PM on 01.18.10 |
->> Garrett - that's crazy.
It really seems that the situation in Canada is going overboard. I returned from Germany on Jan. 14 and flew via Philadelphia to Buffalo. In Munich it was x-ray as usual, then x-ray again at the gate along with a very thorough pat-down and examination inside every pocket of my two carry-on bags. Yeah, still no problem with two bags (one 'standard' carry-on plus a personal item - in my case a TT UD 35).
Regarding Chuck's response above: "Uh...and what, pray tell, do you think prompted the "temporary emergency measures" on December 26th? Hmmm...."
The decision by Transport Canada and CATSA to implement a zero carry-on policy has nothing to do with creating a safer travel environment vs. one where everyone has carry-on. It is 100% due to insufficient manpower to efficiently carry out the secondary screening process. By eliminating carry-on, they hoped to expedite secondary screening. Of course this is due to the Christmas bombing attempt and in response to the TSA regulations for incoming international flights... but if nearly every other country in the world is still allowing 'business as usual' carry-on, then the extreme reaction in Canada obviously isn't an issue with passenger/flight security. |
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