It’s a busy time of year for travel. But, if you’re planning a last-minute getaway, here are some tips to keep in mind.
AVOID PEAK TRAVEL DAYS
If you can, avoid travelling on traditionally busy days such as Dec. 24 and 26, and also Dec. 31 or January 2. Christmas Day or New Year’s Day are likely better. A friend of mine flew to Mexico from Toronto on Christmas Day a few years ago and said the airport was almost empty. This also can be difficult, but try to avoid peak days such as Sunday, Jan. 5, which is the day before many kids go back to school.
When you’re searching for your flights on Expedia or what have you, click “flexible dates” so that you can find the best.
In general, mid-week flights are usually less crowded that weekends, or Mondays and Fridays.
GO EARLY
Getting to the airport early should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. GO EARLY!. Bring a book or listen to a podcast. Have a coffee or a glass of wine and relax. I always try to arrive at a major airport a good 2.5 hours prior to my scheduled departure, as the stress of a late arrival isn’t worth it. I also suggest bringing food in case you flight is delayed. Because who wants to spend to $20 on a tuna sandwich made in a factory the night before?
GET A NEXUS or OTHER TYPE OF FAST PASS
If you’re a Canadian and travel a lot to the U.S., a Nexus card can really speed things up at U.S. customs at major airports in Canada. It’s only $120 USD for five years, about $35 CAD a year, so if you fly more than three or four times it’s definitely worth it. With Nexus you get a separate, dedicated security line and your own, far shorter line a US customs. Coming home, I’ve noticed NEXUS lines can be long at Pearson, But there’s almost never a line for people who use the Canada Border Services Agency advance customs declaration online form, which is a part of that ArriveCAN app we all grew to hate during the pandemic. Definitely need to do that on my next trip.
If you live in the States and travel to Canada a lot, the Nexus card is also valuable. Global Entry is a fast pass run by the U.S. government that also can be very handy.
With both cards you can use your own, separate security line, which is almost always a lot shorter than the regular one. If you’re a Canadian heading to the States, a Nexus card allows you to clear U.S. customs in a separate line that is often shorter than the “regular” line by a half-an-hour or more.
TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND
Air Canada recently put out holiday travel tips suggesting people download the Air Canada app so they can get the most up to date information on their gate and the timing of their flight. It’s a good app I like to use on my Air Canada flights. Other airlines also have apps, of course, including Porter and WestJet in Canada, and the major U.S. airlines such as United, Delta and American Airlines.
BEST TIME TO FLY
Morning flights can be annoying if you value your sleep, but you’re least likely to face delays in the morning as your plane was likely parked at the airport overnight. If you go later, you might be taking a plane that is flying in from another city, and that could mean delays. I find major airports to be far easier to navigate at 1 or 2 p.m., versus the morning or evening rush. You’ll probably have less traffic getting to the airport, as well.
HAVE A BACK UP PLAN
It’s good to have a contingency plan in place. Do some research so you know your flight options, because if your flight is cancelled there may be 100-200 other people scrambling for the next one. Being faster with your fingers might make all the differences.
Happy holidays, and safe travels!
EUROPE ABOUT TO GET MORE EXPENSIVE
London, England. Lucas Davies/Unsplash Photo
