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As flight traffic takes an upward turn during the holidays, staff at the Vancouver International Airport are sharing tips to make pandemic travel a little smoother.
According to vice-president Robyn McVicker, about 30,000 passengers passed through YVR every day in October and November.
That’s nearly half a million each month — up from about 300,000 passengers total in November 2020.
The numbers are expected to increase to 40,000 daily in December, McVicker said, so travellers should prepare for a “busier” experience.
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At a joint news conference on Monday, the Canada Border Services Agency warned that arrival and customs procedures for returning residents could take longer than usual.
The federal government is randomly selecting fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada from destinations other than the United States to take a COVID-19 test. Those travellers must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
First, YVR recommends ensuring that travel documents, including passports, are updated and valid.
All passengers should carry proof of double vaccination with either provincial or federal certification that’s easily accessible.
Those travelling internationally must download the ArriveCAN app, and fill out all mandatory vaccination, travel, quarantine and pre-departure testing information 72 hours before their return.
YVR is also advising that the U.S. now requires all air travellers leaving Canada to have valid pre-departure test results in hand — rapid or PCR — before entry.
Read more:
Travelling into or out of Vancouver’s airport? What you need to know about COVID-19 testing
On-arrival COVID-19 testing is available at YVR for international travellers returning to Canada, McVicker said, but that’s in addition to the federal government’s pre-departure testing requirement.
That rule requires travellers entering Canada to provide a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken 72 hours before landing in Canada, if they have been outside the country for more than 72 hours.
Travellers who want free on-arrival testing can register in advance to speed up the process, McVicker added.
“We’re asking everybody to be patient,” she said. “There are a number of different rules and regulations that are involved as you come into Canada, but it all makes sense. We’ve got people here to help you.”
There are other ways residents can streamline their airport experience, she added.
That includes arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights, two hours before U.S.-bound flights, and three hours before other international flights.
Wrapped gifts should go into checked luggage, said the CBSA’s Supt. Manvir Moore, as customs agents are likely to open any in carry-on bags.
Ticket-holders can also check in online and book airport parking in advance of their flight.
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The holiday season is now upon us, and many will be traveling to see family and friends this year. Before you hit the road or take to the sky, it is important to plan ahead so the trip will be less stressful for your family.
Holidays represent a time for seeing family and friends, and for many this also means traveling a long distance. Traveling can be a stressful event anytime, but especially if children are involved.
To help cut down on stress, proper planning can determine the difference between a joy to remember and a bad traveling experience.
Try these ideas when traveling by vehicle to assist in making the venture less hectic:
– Pack the car the night before. Early in the morning, carry your children from their beds to the car. They usually will snooze through the first gas-station stop and allow you to get some serious mileage before breakfast.
– Have each child pack one bag and allow them to put what they want in it, but they must be responsible for carrying and keeping track of the contents.
– Make flexible seating assignments to keep peace in the car. Separate sides with a suitcase, box or bag in between the children. Be sure to stop often to stretch, run around and play games.
– For children who are still in car seats, put a diaper bag or duffel bag full of toys and books next to the seat where they can reach it easily.
– Keep the music eclectic. It is best to keep the music neutral and compromise to find music everyone enjoys listening to.
– Give each child his or her own map so they can see the path they are taking and can highlight the route.
If getting to your holiday destination requires flying, keep these things in mind:
– Pack food and toys. Try to pack favorite toys and snacks your children enjoy, to make up for the lack of options.
– Put identification on your children. Sometimes in a crowded and chaotic airport, it is possible to lose sight of a child. Write your name or stash a business card inside each child’s travel pack or jacket. Inform your child to ask a police officer or uniformed airline employee for assistance and show the card, just in case of separation.
– Make sure you are up-to-date on flying restrictions and what the airline allows to be
brought on board.
When traveling with family, it is important to be ready and willing to amuse children for a period of time. Bringing items to play with will assist in occupying them and aid in distractions.
A travel backpack or “go bag” can be filled with many items that your child enjoys playing with and are small and easy to pack. Some suggestions are:
– Crayons and/or colored pencils. A zip-top plastic bag make an excellent carrying case. Be sure to bring white paper and coloring books.
– Stuffed animals are a necessity, but do not pack your child’s favorite. Suggest toys that may not be as special just in case it is left behind.
– Download audio picture books to a tablet or phone. Have headphones for children so they can follow along with their favorite book.
Holidays should be enjoyed and taking away the added stresses will allow your family to have a pleasant holiday traveling season.
