Carlson Wagonlit  Vista Travel Ltd. 

 For more information, please consult: 

• The Transport Canada Web site; and
• The U.S Transportation Security Administration's Web site.
• Our Travel Tips Page for more travel planning information.

Following the incident, Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) accelerated its actions to protect air travellers. In addition to introducing carry-on bag restrictions, Transport Canada quickly took action to issue security notices, invest in full body scanners and announce our intention to implement a screening method known as behaviour pattern recognition.

The new one carry-on bag rule takes effect on January 20, 2010 in all Canadian airports. Details are provided by your local travel agent or airport or Transport Canada's website.

When packing for an airline flight, it’s important to keep a few things in mind — how much you pack as well as what you pack. Below is only a guideline for "general" regulations for some airlines. We recommend you please contact the airline you are travelling  directly for their up to date baggage allowances.

Many airlines are strictly enforcing maximum carry-on and checked baggage allowances. Please check with your airline directly if you are unsure of the size and weight of baggage you are permitted to check or carry on.

Carry-on baggage
Most airlines allow at least one (1) piece of standard carry-on baggage and one (1) personal item. Carry-on baggage should not exceed 21 cm x 40 cm x 54 cm (8" x 16" x 21") and the maximum weight should not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). Carry-on items may include: bags and suitcases, briefcases, laptop computer bags, diaper bags, camera cases and similar items. Most check-in counters have a sizing unit where you can verify that your baggage is within size requirements

Checked baggage
Most airlines permit two (2) pieces of checked baggage per fee-paying customer. Each of the two allowable pieces of checked baggage must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs) in weight or 158 cm (62") in overall dimensions (height + width + depth).

For international and transborder travel, many airlines have recently reduced their baggage allowance to as low as 23 kg (per piece). Please ensure you check with your airline for specific weight requirements and restrictions prior to departure.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/aviationsecurity/liquidsban.htm

Travel insurance was designed to make travel a worry-free experience. Even if you're a well-prepared traveler, emergencies happen. You might have an accident the night before you're scheduled to leave and need to cancel your trip. You might need to come home early because of a family emergency. You might need medical assistance when you're away. You never know. Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you make in a trip, and ensure professional assistance is available if you need it.

Unfortunately there is no cut and dry answer to this question. To make matters worse, visa requirements can change for countries every year or so, so make sure your source of information is reliable.Different countries of origin may have different requirements, so you cannot always take another traveler's word for it. What we recommend is that you check out the link below for more information on obtaining your visa, or call the consulate of the country you are travelling to for more information.

Visa Connection :

http://visa.visaconnection.biz/index.php

If you are travelling abroad, the vaccinations you need will depend on which country you are travelling to. You should make an appointment with your GP, or local travel clinic, to discuss where you are travelling to, which vaccinations you will need, when you are travelling (what season), and for how long.

Please see the link below for a Travel Health Clinic near you.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic-eng.php

For more information please call our office or see the link below.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=184000

As of December 18th 2009 we were notified by our supplier that Mexican government has announced that American & Canadian passengers flying into Mexico will be required to show a valid passport as of March 1, 2010.

This measure harmonizes Mexican boarder control policy with that of Canada and the US under the Western Hemisphere Travel Intiative.

The information will be posted nationwide as of January, but please do not wait to attend a passport if you do  not already have one.