Vacation travel has always been stressful, but now with the rules and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is even more to consider and plan for.
With the holidays just around the corner, many Manitobans will be traveling to the airport over the next few weeks to visit family and friends. CTV News Winnipeg spoke to experts and officials about what people need to know when traveling this holiday season.
GETTING TO THE AIRPORT
When deciding when to arrive at the airport, Michel Rosset of the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) said it is always best to speak to the airline you are flying with. He added that it is also good to arrive a little earlier so that your travel experience is as easy as possible.
“We’re approaching our busier days of vacation travel time here, so we’ll see more people traveling in the next week or so,” he said.
“We recommend that you check with your airline about when you should arrive and check-in for your flight.”
Rosset noted that proof of vaccination is required for anyone 12 years or older exiting a Canadian airport.
“The best evidence of vaccination is obviously your Panamanian vaccination card, which you can obtain from the Manitoba government website,” he said.
Because public health orders are subject to change at any time, Rosset suggests reviewing all resources made available by governments, the WAA website, and airlines. He said you should research information in advance of your travels and also when you return home.
WALK THROUGH SAFETY WITH HOLIDAY PRESENTS
When going through security with your hand luggage, it is best not to bring any pre-wrapped gifts with you.
Sandra Alvarez of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority recommends leaving items wrapped in gift wrapping in checked baggage or taking the wrapping paper on the side, unless the gift is in a box with an easily removable lid.
“The problem is that if the boxes are being packed themselves, the control officers may have to unpack everything, and that’s obviously never convenient,” she said.
If you are traveling with a tech gift such as a mobile phone or tablet, Alvarez will remind you that when you go through security, you will need to prove that these devices can be turned on.
“If you have covers, the covers need to be easily removed to allow additional shielding of this electronics,” she said.
When it comes to taking Christmas cookies with you, you are welcome to bring them in your hand luggage.
“Cookies, donuts of all kinds or traditional cakes that you are used to during the holidays – these are indeed allowed in hand luggage,” said Alvarez.
RETURN TO CANADA
Travelers arriving back in Canada after their trip must have a valid COVID-19 pre-arrival test performed within 72 hours of arriving at the border by land or for their departure. They also need to fill out the ArriveCAN app in advance.
“That goes into your various quarantine plans. You need to make sure you have your vaccination records when asked, ”said Canada Border Services Agency chief Robyn Jarvis.
She explained that the quarantine plans ask travelers about different scenarios they could get into if they test positive for COVID-19.
“Whether you have a vulnerable person in your household. Whether you are able to have enough medication that you may need. Enough food, warmth and all that stuff so that you can survive in quarantine in your household for yourself or your travel partner, whoever you have to be with for 14 days, “she said.
Jarvis noted that the ArriveCAN app can be completed up to 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada or prior to your flight departure on your plane back to Canada.
– With files from CTV’s Mason DePatie.
