‘Pack your patience': What to expect as you book summer travel this year
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Loading... - Danny Jones
- 26 May 2022
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Canadians who are planning to travel this summer, “pack your patience.”
That is the advice from one travel expert in Toronto, as unusually long lines at airports and passport offices continue to cause delays across the country.
After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, there is a “pent-up demand to travel,” with interest surging “very close” to pre-pandemic levels, said Martin Firestone, a travel insurance broker.
“The dilemma now is that the infrastructure at both airports and passport offices is just not caught up with the demand, and that’s what’s really causing a problem,” he told Global News.
In recent weeks, airports — particularly in Toronto and Vancouver — have seen hours-long security queues, customs bottlenecks and other delays.
The Canadian Airports Council blames the COVID-19 protocols for the holdup, but the federal government says current health measures are in place to keep Canadians safe as the virus continues to spread.
Factoring in the “tremendous lineups,” Firestone said his advice to his clients is to get to the airport well in advance — at least three to four hours before the flight.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) expects an increase of almost 50 per cent in international passengers at Pearson, Canada’s busiest airport, this summer.
Travel tips
While Canada has eased its travel restrictions this year, some still remain at points of entry, including random COVID-19 testing upon arrival.
All incoming travellers are also required to submit their vaccine and travel information on the ArriveCAN app and show it to border officials upon landing.
Staffing issues at airports on top of COVID-19 protocols and increased travel demand are contributing to the backlogs and hindering the flow of traffic into the country, travel experts say.
Jennifer Weatherhead, co-founder of Travel & Style, recommends being mentally prepared for delays.
“You really need to look into the particular airport that you’re travelling to and where you’ll be coming back,” she told Global News.
“And if you are connecting through any other country or any other airport, try to give yourself as much time as possible.”
Travellers are having to sit for two to three hours in the plane even after landing , which is “pretty aggravating,” Firestone said, adding that such delays will deter many from making plans this summer.
He said people should be prepared for a three-hour differential from the time they land to leaving the airport.
As for booking flights, early morning might not be the best bet to avoid hassle as security lines and customs are just opening up, according to Weatherhead.
“So if you can look to book something that’s either mid-morning or later in the day, see if you have that one change fee possible where you’re not charged to change that one time,” she said. Read More…
