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 Read more
airport security
The Trudeau government says the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon launch a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada. The news was quickly welcomed by a lobby group of Canadian business people, which called it a “forward-thinking” plan that will “improve the security screening experience for eligible travellers.” Ottawa said the new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program. By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the Read more
After months and months of travel discontent across Canada, the Canadian government today said it will spend $1.8 billion over five years to improve airport operations and passenger screening, and to address a backlog of airline complaints to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). Canadian Press reports the Trudeau government also is “proposing to strengthen the rules around compensation for Canadians whose travel plans are disrupted, and to give the CTA more authority to resolve passenger complaints.” That will no doubt play well with consumers who were angered by flight delays and cancellations over the Christmas holidays, but probably not with Read more
A group of influential Toronto business and travel leaders are calling for Canada to quickly create its own trusted-traveller program, a move it said will boost Toronto Pearson Airport and boost the local economy. Leaders from Destination Toronto, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority today announced the formation of a coalition advocating for enhancements to air travel through Toronto Pearson and airports across Canada. The coalition – Innovate. Travel. Canada. (“ITC”) – is a group of business and local leaders joining forces to ensure Toronto’s status as a global beacon of air travel. The coalition, Read more
A program that allows Canadian travellers to speed through security and U.S. customs could be back to full strength by spring. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden met yesterday in Mexico City. Following the meeting, it was announced that the Nexus travel program is slowly returning to “normal” operation. Officials said the agreement between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office (CBP) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will allow Nexus offices to re-open in select Canadian airports. Nexus offices in other locations have been open for the past year or so, but a dispute Read more
