Ten travel tips Ontarians should consider before flying this summer
“Airports are experiencing delays with varying degrees of impact, and Ontarians should be prepared.”
In consultation with its leading travel agents, CAA SCO has identified ten key considerations that potential travelers may not be aware of. Anyone thinking of traveling in the current environment should keep in mind that travel requirements and regulations are constantly changing.
Expect itinerary changes. CAA SCO travel agents say our members are experiencing schedule changes for flights. Subscribe to the airline’s text message service to be notified immediately of any changes, and book connecting flights with more time in between than you would normally do if available. A travel agent is also a valuable resource if this happens.
Consider packing carryon instead of looking at luggage. Potential baggage delays mean that your luggage may not arrive with you or take extra time to get off the plane. If you bring a carryon, make sure it fits the size requirements for all the airlines you board, and any tour operator. When using a travel carryon, you still need to follow the 3-1-1 rule: three ounces of liquid, gel, aerosol, cream or paste fit in a quart-sized resealable bag. If you check luggage, make sure you have your hygiene needs, any medications, and change of clothes in your carryon.
Expect longer waiting times at the airport. The old standby at the airport one hour before flying for domestic flights and two hours before international flights no longer applies. The CAA currently recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before the departure of a domestic flight and at least three hours for international flights.
Make sure all your documentation is in order before you book. Your passport must still be valid six months after the date of your travel, as it is required in some countries. Passports themselves take longer than usual to renew, so it should be done a few months before you travel. Each destination has different documentation requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to prepare and in what format.
Buy travel insurance and understand what is covered. Make sure you have $ 5 million in coverage for emergency medical situations and the disease associated with COVID-19 is included. Understand your rights for situations such as refusal to ride in the event of a positive test, trip cancellation or delay, what luggage is covered and what is not.
Car rentals need to be booked months in advance. High demand as well as shortage of vehicles means shortage of rental vehicles. Some rental agencies, especially on the east and west coasts, do not allow vehicles to be rented in one city and left in another. A travel agent can help you navigate it.
COVID-19 is still a major consideration. Confirm the situation of COVID-19 at the destination before booking. Understand the level of risk associated with traveling to a particular destination by checking out the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. Individual travel advisory remains on a country-to-country basis. It is important for Ontarians to understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with travel abroad, whether it is related to the continued delivery of COVID-19 to the community, or the state of health care systems in pandemic-hit destinations.. Canadians returning home must have loaded all required documentation into the ArriveCAN App or website.
Stay connected. It is important to have access to trusted, up -to -date information while traveling so that you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website before leaving and check it regularly while abroad. It’s also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend who is knowledgeable about your travel plans. Find them and more information at http://www.caasco.com/travel.
Confirm the flexibility of change and cancellation with your travel service provider. Many airlines and hotels provide more flexibility when it comes to refunds and changes to bookings. Make sure you understand any important dates associated with cancellations and changes and whether you are eligible for a refund or a future travel voucher or credit at the time of booking.
Be patient, be kind. Around the world, airlines are dealing with staff shortages and baggage handling back-ups. Remember that staff at the airports are there to help you, and things may take longer than usual.
About CAA South Central Ontario
For over a hundred years, the CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontario is part of the CAA Club Group of Companies and one of eight auto clubs in total Canadaproviding roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and Member savings for over 2.2 million Members.
SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario
For more information: Nadia Matos, Manager, External Communications, C: (416) 523-0663, E: [email protected]; Victoria Marchisello, Communications Specialist, C: (416) 550-1979, E: [email protected]
