Locked Baggage Yes or No?

Did you Know?

It’s quicker and easier for us to inspect unlocked bags, but if you prefer to lock your bags, here is our tips.

Tips

Your checked bags will be screened and may be physically searched. Although you may lock bags on flights departing Canadian airports, please note:

  • Screening officers are not allowed to break locks: they can, however, use special tools to open and re-secure recognized and accepted travel locks.
  • These locks are widely used in the United States and other countries and can be purchased at travel stores, airports and retailers in Canada and abroad.
  • These can be identified by the following logos*:

 

 

  • Ask your retailer and read the packaging to confirm locks can be opened by airport security agencies before you buy them.
  • If screening officers cannot open your lock, they will ask an airline representative to try to locate you so that you can provide the required key or combination.
  • If you cannot be found, the airline representative may break the lock to allow the physical search of your checked bag.
  • Any bag that requires a search but cannot be opened will not clear security.
  • Checked bags that do not clear security are returned to the airline.
  • If your checked bag is opened for a physical search, a “Notification of Checked Baggage Inspection” card will be placed inside.
  • CATSA assumes no liability for damage to personal property resulting from this necessary security measure.

Blue Mosque, Istambul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii is a historic mosque of Istanbul, known as the Blue Mosque because of ceramic adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the reign of Sultan Ahmet 1 who decide to build it to appease God after the unfavorable outcome of the war with Persia. It has the tomb of the founder, a school and a hospice. It is the starting point for caravans of Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, it has six minarets. Its dome 23.5 meters in diameter is supported by four massive pillars and buttressed by four semi-domes; 260 windows flood the light building. The interior is decorated with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue. The prayer hall is topped by an ascending system of domes and semi-domes, each supported by three porticos, culminating with the large central dome which has 43m high at its central point. The decorations include verses from the Koran. The floors are carpeted, with carpets given by the faithful and are regularly replaced when worn. The most important element in the interior is the mihrab made of marble. The yard is about as large as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a continuous, rather monotonous vaulted arcades. The central hexagonal fountain is rather small in contrast to the dimensions of the court. The monumental door, but wide, to the courtyard is characterized by the architecture of the arcade. Until recently the muezzin calling to prayer or had to climb a narrow spiral staircase five times a day to announce the call to prayer. Today a public sound system is used, and the call can be heard through the old part of the city, echoed by other mosques nearby.

Tips

The Sultanahmet Mosque has become one of the most popular tourist attractions of Istanbul. Large crowds of Turks and tourists gather at sunset in the park in front of the mosque to hear the call to evening prayer at sunset and the mosque is brilliantly illuminated by colored spotlights.
The large backyard has sanitary facilities on both sides.