Earlier Reports A Misunderstanding

Transport Canada says reports that books and magazines purchased pre-security will not be allowed on Canadian flights are incorrect, and the result of a misunderstanding.

Several media sources reported that the reading material would not be allowed on airplanes unless it was purchased after a passenger cleared security. The confusion was based on a list of 13 "approved" items that would be allowed, and books and magazines were not among them.

In an interview Thursday, a spokesperson for Transport Canada said screeners have some discretion in what they may allow through security, and that books, magazines, and children's toys are among those discretionary items. “What we wanted people to do was reduce the amount of stuff they bring into the cabin so that the screening would not … cause any delay basically. There's a big matter of common sense. When people travel, let's say do you need your laptop and your camera and your iPod and your book when you do a flight Montreal-Boston? Or can you just go with a book for this time and check the rest? It's common sense basically,” spokeswoman Maryse Durette told the Globe and Mail.

Still, carry-on luggage does appear to be prohibited on Canadian flights bound for the U.S. In a news release, Transport Canada says "Passengers travelling to the United States 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."

FMI: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/menu.htm