Thousands of travellers faced long lineups but experienced shorter delays than expected across Canada on Thursday as airports beefed up security after British police announced they had foiled an alleged bomb plot.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority imposed new security measures — including banning all liquids and gels on carry-on luggage for flights within Canada, and to and from the United States and United Kingdom.

At Canada's busiest airport, Toronto's Pearson International, many passengers arriving in the morning were unaware of the new restrictions and scrambled to remove any liquid products from their carry-on bags.
(CBC)

As a result, there were more checks by security officials for such items, and passengers could be seen rummaging through their luggage to discard the products.

News reports suggested the alleged bombers may have planned to use liquid explosives on carry-on luggage, after British police announced the arrests of more than 20 suspects on Thursday.

Canadian officials said exceptions would be made for passengers with prescription medications, insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines.

In Toronto and many other airports, increased security was visible throughout the day. Any passengers travelling to the United States were being warned that their shoes would be screened.
(Jamie Strashin/CBC)

People travelling with small children or infants would be able to carry on baby formula, breast milk and juice.

Transport officials said the new restrictions would be in effect for 72 hours, but may be extended. Senior government officials said these new restrictions may eventually become standard protocol.

In a news conference on Thursday morning, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said Canadian officials are co-operating with British and U.S. authorities, but there is no evidence at this point that any Canadians were involved in the alleged bomb plot.

Day also urged those travelling in Canadian airports to be patient and expect delays.

Measures in line with U.S.

The increased security measures were in line with those imposed in the United States. Security in British airports was stricter, with all carry-on bags banned.

Air Canada officials said the regulations are in effect for their flights departing from Britain. The airline also stated that it was allowing customers travelling to, from and via Britain to change their scheduled flights without penalty.

Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon said every precaution has been taken to protect Canadians. He also said police officers will be put on long flights.

"It is still safe to fly and I encourage you all to do so," Cannon said at a news conference.

Canada's major international airports, including in Toronto and Vancouver, experienced minor delays Thursday morning, as the effects of cancelled and delayed flights in the United States and Britain trickled down.

TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority issued new rules effective noon on Aug. 10 after British police announced a plot to bomb commercial aircraft from Britain to the United States. The rules will affect you if you're flying from any Canadian airport, including on a domestic trip. You can take carry-on luggage but it can't contain any liquids or gels, including: All beverages. Shampoo. Suntan lotion. Creams. Toothpaste. Hair gel. The exceptions: Baby formula. Breast milk in bottles. Juice for a baby or small child. Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket. Insulin. Essential non-prescription medicine. Put all liquids and gels in checked baggage. If you're boarding a flight to the United States, you'll be asked to take off your shoes for screening. If you can't take off your shoes because you have a disability or are elderly, security officials will check them with detection equipment.

London's Heathrow Airport was closed to all incoming flights not already in the air after the arrests were announced. Security was also increased at all airports in the United Kingdom.

The U.S. government raised its threat alert to red, the highest level, for commercial flights from Britain to the United States.

Long lines at biggest airports

At Canada's busiest airport, Toronto's Pearson International Airport, long lines moved quickly and efficiently.

Scott Armstrong, a spokesman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, advised travellers to leave ample time for delays and cancellations.

"I would definitely call ahead and check with the airline on the time of your flight, get to the airport a little early if you can, and obviously bring your patience with you, the most important thing today with new security measures in place."

Ottawa International Airport began enforcing stricter restrictions than most airports. It banned the sale of any drinks past the check-in point and police tape covered pop machines to prevent the purchase of drinks.

At Vancouver International Airport, a line snaked longer than a city block from the United Airlines check-in for flights to several U.S. cities.

Reports from U.S. security officials said the suspects in the alleged bomb plot had targeted United, American and Continental airlines.

Prairie delays minimal

Meanwhile, many airports in the Prairie provinces were experiencing few flight delays.

"Just because of the timing of things, we were able to work on this throughout the night, get some staff in here and try and works things out," said Traci Bednard, a spokeswoman for Edmonton International Airport.

"So while there are some lineups, we aren't seeing any major delays at this time."