MONTREAL, Dec. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada provides the following update for flights from Canada to the United States.

In response to new government policies and in order to reduce delays caused by the enhanced security measures for flights operating into the United States, effective Sunday, December 27, and until further notice, carry-on baggage will be restricted to one personal item (purse, computer bag, diaper bag, brief case or small backpack). All other items (roller bags, large backpacks, etc) must be checked-in.

"We regret the inconvenience these circumstances have caused our customers," said Duncan Dee, Air Canada's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our staff are working non-stop to assist customers and ensure that our flights operate as close to schedule as possible. This temporary carry-on policy will assist security officers at the gate in screening customers more quickly and thereby minimize delays for passengers to the extent possible."

Air Canada recommends passengers travelling to the U.S. from Canada arrive early at the airport for their flight in order to allow adequate time for additional personal searches. Under new rules enacted by Transport Canada and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, passengers and their carry-on baggage will be strictly limited and subject to full searches both at airport screening points and prior to boarding at the aircraft gate area.

Customers are encouraged to visit www.aircanada.com to check on the status on their flight prior to arriving at the airport.