After a summer plagued by delays, the Trudeau government says Canadian airports are operating at levels similar to pre-pandemic numbers. For the week of September 26 to October 2, 2022, 98 percent of flights planned for Canada’s top four airports were completed (i.e., not cancelled); an improvement from 95 percent for the first week of July, officials said in a statement. That’s very close to the week of September 30 to October 6, 2019, when 99 percent of flights for the top four airports were completed. Ottawa also said that, from September 26 to October 2, 2022, more than 91 Read more
toronto. Pearson Airport
Flying out of Toronto Pearson airport is about to get more expensive. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) today (September 28) announced it will increase the aeronautical rates and the airport improvement fee (AIF) on January 1, 2023. These increases are a result of the high inflationary environment and ongoing impacts from COVID-19. The adjustment to the AIF will put Toronto Pearson in line with the current rates charged by other airports across Canada. Effective January 1, 2023, aeronautical rates for commercial aviation, business aircraft and general aviation aircraft will increase by 4 per cent. The AIF for departing passengers Read more
Canadians have another airline to fly with. Canada Jetlines, which calls itself an “all-Canadian, value-focused leisure carrier,” will fly today from Toronto to Calgary for its first commercial flight. The website Open Jaw says Jetlines is initially offering twice-weekly flights from Toronto to Alberta on Thursdays and Sundays. The flight from Toronto departs at 7:55 a.m. Easter Time and arrives at 10:10 a.m. Mountain Time. The return flight leaves Calgary at 11:40 a.m. local time and arrives in Toronto at 5:20 p.m. The airline hopes to move to three flights per week in the fall. Canada Jetlines will operate out Read more
In a move it hopes will modernize and expedite the travel experience at Canadian airports, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is now providing travellers the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada through ArriveCAN. The Advance CBSA Declaration optional feature is currently available for international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver international airports. In the coming months, the optional feature will also become available to travellers arriving at Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Billy Bishop, Ottawa and Quebec City international airports. By submitting their customs and Read more
I’ve flown several times so far this summer, and it’s been better than I expected. But I have a couple advantages, including a Nexus card that gets me in a faster lineup at security and a MUCH faster lineup at U.S. Customs when I’m flying from Canada. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re flying any time soon. Here a few thoughts. Do NOT check your bag unless you absolutely have to. You’ll probably save money (unless you’re a frequent flyer program member with status, most airlines will make you pay for a checked bag), Read more
