Now carry-on bags banned on flights from Canada

Toronto, Dec 29 : Carry-on bags were also banned on the US-bound flights from Canada Monday even as tighter security measures threw departures into chaos.

The new security measures came into force at the weekend following Friday's failed attempt by an al-Qaeda-linked Nigerian man to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight at Detroit.

Initially, the authorities banned only extra carry-on bags, apart from introducing physical searches at the airplane boarding gates.

But following chaos and delays up to eight hours at Canada's busiest airport here, authorities announced Monday that passengers will be allowed only small purses, cameras, laptops, canes, diaper bags and bags containing 'life-sustaining items.'

Transport Canada said, "Effective immediately, US-bound passengers are not allowed to bring carry-on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions.

"Passengers may carry with them 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."

It said additional searches of passengers and their exempted items will continue.

Since new security regulations also prohibit the use of Live TV on flights bound for the US, the airlines are advising parents to bring games, books or other toys to occupy their kids busy during the flight.

One of the busiest airports in North America, Toronto's Pearson International Airport handles more than 33 million passengers a year.