Travelling through an airport can be a daunting task, especially when it’s your first time flying. And the busy winter travel season, with all the bulky clothing and big bags, can raise extra questions about packing for your trip and navigating the security checkpoint.

Before you take your flight, check out these tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to clear the runway stress-free.

Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of time to get through the security screening, especially during busy travel periods like much of the winter. Airlines recommend arriving at the airport roughly two hours before your flight takes off to give yourself plenty of time to go through screening and find your gate. If you are travelling to the U.S. or other places outside of Canada, aim to arrive at the airport three hours in advance.

LAG time
Liquids, aerosols and gels, known as LAGs, are non-solid items, such as shampoo, mascara, bottled water, shaving cream and toothpaste. All LAGs in your carry-on bag must be in quantities of 100 millilitres or less and fit in a clear, one-litre, resealable bag. Be ready to remove the bag from your carry-on for inspection at the security screening.

Power up
Do you have all your favourite holiday movies queued up on your iPad or a carefully curated playlist to keep you occupied during the flight? If you’re bringing small electronic devices, place them in your carry-on bag and put the bag in a bin for screening at the security checkpoint. Larger devices, like laptops, will need to be removed from their carrying cases and placed in a bin with nothing on top or underneath. Keep your devices charged and ready to be turned on if asked. Since many devices look alike, place a sticker or label on your laptop to ensure you pick up the right one after screening.

Stay organized
At the screening checkpoint, place coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on bag – including your jingle bells. If you’re using a printed boarding pass, place your cellphone in your carry-on bag while in the line. If your boarding pass is on your phone, put it in your carry-on after the screening officer scans it at the front of the line.

Find more travel tips at catsa.gc.ca