Watch above: As many people start preparing for holiday travel, Aaron Streck looks at what airport policies are in place and what travellers need to know to avoid frustration.
SASKATOON – We’re on the verge of the busiest travel days of the year. Flying home for Christmas can be a nightmare but there are ways to alleviate some of that holiday flying stress.
It might look like business as usual now but give it another couple weeks and John G. Diefenbaker International Airport will be a madhouse, with people scrambling trying to get to their Christmas destinations.
“Time management is key, which means early arrival is something they will want to concentrate on. We also recommend consulting with the air carriers, look at the carry on restrictions, look at the flight status, it’s all about planning,” said Stephen Maybury, president and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority.
Even when it comes to security.
“Ensure that your knowledgeable on what can and can’t go through, for example avoid wrapping your presents; wear winter wear that is easy to remove,” said Maybury.
Traffic at the airport is up seven per cent this year, so getting to the airport two to three hours before your flight is strongly recommended.
To avoid extra travel costs, more people are travelling lighter since Air Canada and WestJet started charging for checked-in baggage but that can be a challenge.
MORE: Here’s how much WestJet, Air Canada will rake in from baggage fees
“The airlines are getting much stickier on what you can carry on,” said Brian Taylor, vice president of Ixtapa Travel .
As for travelling with pets, airlines have strict restrictions.
“About a week prior to Christmas to a week or 10 days after New Years, they don’t allow pets in cargo, they do allow pets on an aircraft, it’s like carry on baggage, have to be in a secure area, the maximum weight is 10 kilograms,” said Taylor.
Flying home for Christmas isn’t cheap and while the stress probably doesn’t get any easier every year, travel agents recommend packing a smile.
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