Let’s be honest — even the most seasoned travellers can feel that tiny knot of nerves when they reach the security line. Bags come apart, belts come off, laptops out, liquids here, boarding pass there… you know the drill. This week, I want to help make one part of that process a little smoother — getting your electronic devices through security with confidence.
With just a few simple preparations, you can walk into screening knowing exactly what to expect and hopefully make it through with ease (and maybe even a smile!).
Why They May Ask You to Power On Your Device
If you’ve ever wondered why an agent might ask you to turn on your phone, laptop, or tablet, here’s the simple reason — they’re checking that it’s a real, functioning device. They’re not trying to scroll through your photos or peek at your messages, they just want to confirm that it behaves like a normal phone or laptop, because electronics can be hollowed out and modified to hide dangerous items.
If a device can’t power up, it can trigger extra screening, and in rare cases, it may be confiscated. This has been standard practice for U.S.-bound flights for quite some time, so Canadian travellers connecting through or flying directly into the U.S. can definitely encounter this.
What Canadian Travellers Should Expect
If you’re flying from Canada to the U.S., especially through a pre-clearance airport like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary, you’ll go through TSA-style screening before you even board. This means you may be asked to turn on your device right there at security in Canada.
Even for non-U.S. flights, CATSA follows similar principles. Devices usually go through X-ray, and officers may ask to inspect them more closely if something looks unusual. On both sides of the border, the goal is the same: ensure that your device is, well… just a device.
How to Prepare Your Electronics Before You Fly
Think of this as your little pre-security checklist:
✔ Keep devices charged — even just enough to power on.
✔ Pack laptops + tablets where you can reach them quickly.
✔ Be ready to place larger devices in their own bin, especially for U.S.-bound flights.
✔ Slim sleeves are usually fine, but bulky or metal cases may need to come off.
✔ Even with modern scanners, you may still be asked to power up devices — so be prepared.
A little organization goes a long way and can save you from rummaging through your carry-on while people shuffle behind you in line.
Device Do’s & Don’ts
A few simple habits can make travel so much easier:
Do: Keep lithium batteries and power banks in your carry-on.
Do: Keep your main electronics (phone, tablet, laptop) with you — not in checked bags.
Do: Charge your devices before you leave home or your hotel.
Don’t: Travel with a completely dead device if you can avoid it.
Don’t: Be surprised if extra screening is required if a device won’t power on.
Walking up to security with your electronics charged, visible, and easy to access can make your trip start on a much calmer note. Whether you’re hopping through a busy U.S. hub, or starting a bucket-list adventure overseas, a few quick steps now can help you and your electronics glide through security like a pro.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me and we can start the planning process for your next romantic escape, honeymoon or destination wedding!