It looks like this year’s summer travel season is going to be memorable for different reasons. Complaints of long lines at the airport, flight delays and cancellations, plus delayed, damaged or lost baggage are on the rise. And this is not only a Canada-wide problem – it’s a global phenomenon.

What’s causing these issues?

• Lack of manpower – Airports and airlines had to cut the number of employees during the pandemic due to the low demand for travel. But now that most travel restrictions have been lifted and demand for travel is back, airports and airlines have had to quickly maneuver to bring back workers or hire new ones. This is proving to be tough as new workers need time for training, as well as security clearances which take up to six months to process.
• High volume of travellers – Traveller numbers this summer have exceeded projections. Coupled with understaffing, it is more than the capacity that airports can handle.
• COVID-19 – The pandemic is not over yet! The lack of manpower at airports and airlines is further complicated by workers catching the virus and getting sick, and of course having to stay home.
• Labour unrest – Airport and airline staff are complaining about work conditions, not only because of the current situation where workers have been stretched to the limit, but also because of low wages and lack of job permanency. This is especially prevalent in Europe where staff at Heathrow, Schipol, and Dublin airports, as well as some airlines have gone on strike to demand higher wages (CBC News).

In Canada, operational issues have led to Air Canada’s decision to cancel 15% of its domestic flights, and West Jet’s reduction of flights by 25% this summer (CTV News).

Travel tips you’ll need right now

1. Avoid flying if possible

   I know, two years of ‘staycations’ have been hard to bear. But considering the alternative, you’re better off staying close to home. Imagine the wasted time and money, plus the stress that flight delays and baggage losses can bring! Maybe it’s the perfect time to try travelling by train or going on a road trip instead?

   If you really need to travel and can’t avoid flying by air:

   • Choose direct flights or those with long layovers (of at least three hours) in between. This way you won’t miss connecting flights especially in high-traffic airports like Pearson (Toronto) or Vancouver International Airport in case of delays.
   • Book through the airline directly than through agencies like Expedia or Travelocity. Customer service will be less complicated in case you need to rebook or ask for a refund.
   • Plan to arrive a few days ahead to anticipate possible flight delays if you’re attending an event or occasion that has a fixed date.
   • Take morning flights rather than afternoon or evening flights as they are less likely to be delayed or cancelled.
   • Monitor your flight’s status closely. You can do this by downloading a flight tracker like FlightAware and your airline’s mobile app. You’ll receive alerts faster in case of changes.

2. Be prepared and arrive early at the airport

   To ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding process, make sure to have all the required travel documents on hand (use this Pre-boarding checklist). Double-check local travel advisories as well as those in your destination so you don’t miss anything. It’s also a good idea to arrive at the airport early, but not too early since you’ll only add to the congestion. Check your carrier’s website for advice but it’s usually 60-90 minutes ahead of your departure for a domestic flight and two to three hours for an international flight. Finally, don’t forget to get travel insurance to protect yourself from any contingency.

3. Pack light

   At this time, avoid checking-in luggage if you can. Make sure to have all your essentials in your carry-on. It’s great to have a fanny pack or a bag that you can strap on your chest or under your jacket to keep money, documents and phone secure. If you must check-in a bag, consider the following:

   • Have a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost.
   • Don’t put valuables, any irreplaceable items (anything with sentimental value), or travel documents in your check-in luggage.
   • Install Apple Air Tags (IOS), Tile (IOS/android) or similar Bluetooth trackers in your luggage. These are affordable and effective gadgets that can help you easily monitor the location of your bags in case they are delayed or lost.

   Take note that due to longer than usual flight delays, some airlines like Air Canada are not accepting pets travelling in the baggage compartment until September 2022. However, small dogs or cats will be allowed in the cabin pending availability of space. Check Air Canada’s complete guidelines here: Travelling with your pet.

4. Bring food

   Anticipate crowded restaurants and long lines at the airport. Pack some light snacks or any food permitted by customs ahead of time. Bring an empty tumbler which you can fill with water once you’ve passed the initial baggage check. This will save you from additional discomfort in cases of long waits or flight delays (especially if you’re travelling with kids or if you or any one you’re with is diabetic).

5. Know your air passenger rights

   In addition to provisions in your travel insurance, passengers have rights that can provide protection or compensation in cases of flight interruptions, or instances like baggage delays, damage or loss. Go to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) site to familiarize yourself of these guidelines. You can also read Lost baggage? Flight delayed? Know your air passenger rights to know more about the APPR.

 
Sources: Travelling soon? Here’s how to have a stress-free airport experience, Melissa Lopez-Martinez, CTV News; Five ways to survive air travel this summer, Jay Ratliff, The Hill; and Air travel is getting worse. Here are 6 tips to make it less of a headache, Megan Cerullo, CBS News. Accessed July 6, 2022.