The point of travelling is to learn about new cultures and get away from boring, everyday tasks. And yet, and yet. It’s almost impossible not to stay connected with friends back home and with the omnipresence of work. Find out how to travel with a laptop and get through security hassle-free.
Travelling with a laptop is a new set of skills that frequent travellers have become experts at. It might not be the best use of time to check emails on the secluded shores of Vancouver Island or while wildlife viewing in northern Alberta, but it’s a reality in this fast paced world.
Laptop Travel: Pack a Computer
It’s actually very easy to bring a laptop along on a vacation. Here are a few tips on packing a computer:
- Get a good laptop bag, one with various pockets for documents and other carry on items: it’s best to use this as the only carry on piece of luggage
- Make sure the laptop is securely fastened in the bag, usually with a piece of Velcro or clip
- Don’t pack things around the laptop, as getting it out quickly will help at security (see below)
Getting Through Security
With stringent security rules still in effect, be prepared for the following things while travelling with a laptop. Once at security:
- Fill the tubs with any liquids in the airport’s plastic bags (given out just prior to entering)
- Take off any coats or large sweaters
- Pull out the laptop and place it in a separate tub
- Wait for the guard to signal and walk through the security gateway
- Depending on the staff, it might be necessary to turn on the laptop for the security guards to check
- Once allowed through, make sure to collect all personal belongings and carefully put the laptop back into the bag
Western Canada Airports
Vancouver International Airport: British Columbia’s transport hub served 17.5 million passengers in 2007, linking to destinations all over the world. Wireless internet access is free throughout the airport to those with a laptop.
Victoria International Airport: Located on the Saanich Peninsula, 22 km north of Victoria, this airport near British Columbia’s capital city has both regional and international flights. The airport served almost 1.5 million passengers this year. Wireless internet access is available through Boingo for a fee.
Calgary International Airport: Another large hub of Western Canada travel is the Calgary International Airport, welcoming over 12.2 million passengers in 2007. Wireless internet is also available for free throughout the terminals.
Edmonton International Airport: This large airport serves about six million passengers a year and covers more space than any other Canadian airport. Travellers can find direct flights from here to over 50 national and international destinations. Wireless internet can be connected to via Opti-Fi Wireless Network throughout the terminals.
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport: With a large expansion project completed six years ago, this mid-sized airport has direct flights to destinations within Canada and to a few cities in the United States. Over 1 million passengers travelled through here in 2007. Wireless internet is provided free throughout the airport.
Regina International Airport: Travelling in and out of Regina through the international airport connects southern Saskatchewan to the rest of the world. 190 direct flights per week head off to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Minneapolis, Mexico and the Caribean. Opti-Fi Wireless Network is the provider of wireless internet for a fee.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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