It seems too cruel to be true. Canadians and Americans this fall finally began travelling again after a two-year pandemic. And now, just as the holiday season arrives, North America is faced with massive weather issues.
Fresh off an “unprecedented” number of flight cancellations in British Columbia, Canadian airlines and passengers can now brace for a major storm in Ontario and Quebec.
Air Canada has issued snow advisories for Friday for Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto Pearson, Canada’s busiest airport.
The forecast for southern Ontario calls for rain on Thursday night, with a “flash freeze” coming behind it on Friday that could mean slick, treacherous roads. There’s also a warning of cold temperatures and lake effect snow. Environment Canada officials are asking people to stay home over the next few days if they possibly can.
Parts of lower British Columbia were hit with 30 cm’s of snow over the past few days, and the temperature in Vancouver today isn’t expected to go higher than -8 Celsius. That’s relatively balmy compared to Calgary and Edmonton, where the temperature isn’t expected to climb above -27C and -28C, respectively.
The CBC reports that Vancouver International has a backlog of planes on the ground due to this week’s storm, and that it’s been forced to limit the number of international flights coming in. Airport officials said the decision will affect more than two dozen international flights scheduled to land between Wednesday and Friday, just ahead of the Christmas weekend.
YVR officials posted a note on Twitter around noon Pacific time, saying that improved weather conditions, along with all the hard work by our crews and partners to ensure runways and taxiways remain clear has allowed for an increase in the number of aircraft able to arrive and depart from the airport. But FlightAware.com was reporting 155 cancelled flights (39% of all daily flights) as of 12:45 p.m. Vancouver time.
FlightAware was reporting that some 18% of flights at Calgary YYC and 11% of flights at Edmonton YEG had been cancelled as of today at 2:45 p.m. Mountain Time.
WestJet said it had to cancel 460 flights between Sunday and Tuesday. If there just 100 people on each plane, that would be nearly 5,000 people facing the aggravation and uncertainty of a cancelled trip during a season when many of us fly long distances to see family and friends.
FlightAware.com reports 30% of WestJet flights were cancelled on Tuesday, while Air Canada had to cancel 20%.
WestJet sent an alert out around 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time to say it has had 86 cancellations today (out of 563 flights originally scheduled), and that “cancellations are projected to increase throughout the day.”
Officials said frigid temperatures in Albert and Northern B.C. were still causing problems. The airline also noted there are de-icing limitations when the temperature falls to -29C.
“Safety remains top priority as outside conditions for workers are incredibly challenging, prioritizing safety and required breaks,” officials said.
Both of Canada’s largest airlines say they’ve adjusted policies to help consumers cope. WestJet said it’s trying to reaccommodate passengers, but noted there’s limited space.
“We are monitoring multiple weather systems and anticipate further weather impacts in the coming days. If you have confirmed travel between now and December 26, and would like to proactively cancel a flight only reservation, you can do so through the following REFUND FORM,” officials said on the company website.
“Any guest who proactively cancels their flight will receive a full refund to original form of payment. Additionally, enhanced flexible change and cancel policies remain in place between now and January 8, 2023, provided changes are actioned before December 26.”Canada sent me an email saying they’re closely monitoring the weather.
“As you know, we do put goodwill policies in place that allow changes and in cases of cancellations we offer refunds,” officials said. “In some cases, such as with Vancouver where the storm’s effects are expected to linger we have put a policy in place to allow changes up to December 31.
“Overall we monitor the weather closely and will put in place change and goodwill policies so people can alter their travel plans once we get greater certainty closer in to a weather event. Again though, our customers’ overwhelming preference is to travel and we aim to make this possible providing we can do so safely and circumstances allow.”
Porter Airlines also is offering free changes.
“We are offering complimentary flight changes to flights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for passengers whose flights are affected by weather. Please contact our Call Centre for assistance,” Porter said on its Twitter feed.
Earlier, Porter tweeted that it was having computer issues and asked customers to dial their Call Centre at 1-888-619-8622.
U.S. airlines have issued waivers in advance of the storm, which is expected to hit Chicago O’Hare – a major hub – quite hard. Buffalo, too, has severe wind and weather warnings out. From the Northwest states to Maryland, some 70 million Americans are under a winter weather alert, the BBC reports.
If you positively must travel in the next few days, prepare for long waits and delays, as well as potential cancellations. I did a CBC radio interview this morning and the host said she read about a couple who had to ration formula for their baby as they waited for a flight. If you’re travelling with babies, bring extra formula. Lots of it.
If you’re travelling with older kids, or on your own, bring not just snacks to the airport but several meals. I mean it. Bring sandwiches. Bring chopped veggies and fruit. Bring dry soup or freeze-dried camping food that can be mixed with hot water (likely you can get it from an airport restaurant or coffee shop).
You might very well be stuck at the airport for quite some time, so bring comfortable, warm clothes. Bring a big, puffy jacket you can use as a blanket, or pack an actual blanket in your carry-on. Consider packing a neck pillow or something else you can use to rest your head on a hard seat or bench. And bring books, electronic devices and a deck of cards to keep yourself and young ones entertained.
If you’re at the airport, don’t get all huffy with the airline crew. They’re under a lot of stress, too, and they want to help. Be kind. Smile. Ask how they’re coping and what their holiday plans are. Remember that old adage: “You’ll catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.”
Of course, airports aren’t the only thing we have to worry about when there’s bad weather. My friend Laura Byrne Paquet, who’s based in Ottawa and writes extensively about local road trips, reminded CBC listeners today to make sure they have plenty of warm clothes, food and drinks in their car if they’re driving, as well as flares and a shovel. Also, she says to make sure your phone is charged (I would bring a backup charger) and that your gas tank is full. If you get stranded on the road, you’ll need to keep your car running to stay warm, and that means burning through your gas.
We can’t do anything about the weather, but we can prepare.
