Planning on taking the family away for March break? So are a lot of other people! Here are a few ways to survive your time in the airport.

First up - be prepared for the security line up. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority advises:

  • Put all liquids, aerosols and gels more than 100 ml in your checked baggage. Only amounts less than 100 ml placed in a 1-litre clear, resealable plastic bag are permitted through security with your carry-on bag.
  • Pack all medications so they can be easily inspected. All prescription and essential non-prescription liquid, gel or aerosol medications (ie. cough-syrup) should be easy to pull out of your carry-on for inspection. Gel and ice packs can be brought on board if they are being used to keep medication cold or to keep food or drink cold for a child under 2 years of age.
  • Wear easy-to-remove outerwear. Before you leave the house, make sure you and your loved ones are wearing easy-to-remove outerwear. Avoid wearing clothes with metal clasps or snaps.
  • Check any large winter sports gear. If you are hitting the slopes with the family, you can keep the goggles, gloves and helmets in your carry-on but snowboards, skis and other large sporting equipment needs to be checked in with your airline.
  • Leave early for the airport. Give yourself plenty of time to check in and go through screening. Check 'security wait times on CATSAs website or mobile app.
  • Use the Family/Special Needs lane. There is extra space at the Family/Special Needs lane to accommodate larger items like strollers and car seats, and screening officers who offer additional assistance.

I would also suggest that you wear shoes that easily slip off and on, know which sharp objects will literally “not fly” and don't bring liquids more than 100 ml in size. How is that I still see people going through security with water bottles and jack-knives? Remember that food items like yogurt and peanut butter are also considered liquids and gels so if you are bringing snacks for yourself or the kids bring dry ones. An empty water bottle that you can fill up on the other side of security is a must.

Before you even get to the airport, remember to check in on-line for less rushing around at the airport and to ensure you get the seat you want. With Air Canada lately it seems if you don't check in on line, you end up in the middle seat. Consider bringing only carry -on so you can avoid the baggage drop off lines.

If you do everything right and you do find yourself with some spare time at the airport, make the most of your time by scoping out your airports' shopping and eating options, as well services that may assist you passing the hours between flights like a spa or movies. Toronto's Pearson Airport now offers free music and book downloads through an agreement with American Express and content provided by Harper Collins and Sony Music Canada. To assist in your search, load up the Gate Guru app on your iPad or iPhone. It lists all the businesses near your gate along with user reviews, pictures and maps from airports around the world, including Toronto, Calgary and Halifax. The information is great. The reviews are currently lacking but the more of us that starting using it and sharing the information the better!