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YVR confiscated these bizarre carry-on items in 2018

YVR is offering advice to passengers, from preparing to travel, to getting to the airport, to breezing through security.
YVR carry on
A collection of items confiscated by YVR security in 2018. Image: YVR

It’s simple: don’t pack your snow globe in your carry-on.

That’s one tip Vancouver International Airport shared on Monday, in an effort to help travelers ease their holiday stress. YVR also offered other advice to passengers, from preparing to travel, to getting to the airport, to breezing through security.

From Dec. 20 on, YVR expects 85,000 to 90,000 travelers to pass through its doors every day. This holiday season, the airport advises passengers to confirm their travel details in advance by double checking reservations and determining baggage allowances.

While packing, YVR reminds passengers that restrictions are in place for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on baggage. A full list of restricted items – which includes skis and snowboards – is available on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website.

“There’s also a regulation about inorganic powders, which includes cooking salts, spice mixes, which contain salt as well, bath salt,” said Christine Langlois, spokesperson for Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. “So if you have more than 350 millilitres, roughly the size of a soda can, you have to check it.”

This year, YVR collected a number of strange items that passengers tried to bring in their carry-on including a snow globe (which contains liquid), a 500-millilitre bottle of maple syrup (remember, the limit for liquids is 100), scissors, lighter fluid and ammunition.

The airport also advises that wrapped gifts can’t be brought through security. Either check it in your luggage, bring wrapping paper separately to wrap the gift later or, if you buy a gift at one of the shops after security, make use of the free gift wrapping options available.

New for travelers, passengers can now bring pot with them on board. Recreational cannabis – up to 30 grams worth – is allowed, but only when traveling within Canada.  

When heading to the airport, check flight statuses in case of delays. Parking can be pre-booked at yvr.ca, but the airport recommends travelers use the Canada Line when possible.