SASKATOON – Christmas reunions have begun at the Saskatoon International Airport but so have the holiday travel woes.
“Our itinerary changed in October and travel agent didn’t let us know or some how that message didn’t get across,” said Marlee Waldron.
En route to Milton, Penn. with her husband Ben and one-and-half-year-old daughter Rosie to see family, the couple anticipated they would be stranded at the airport for at least six hours waiting for the next flight to Toronto.
“We’re not sure if we can get a connecting flight to Philadelphia, we may be driving which is OK she’s a road warrior.”
One couple having better luck on Wednesday had arrived at the airport early to avoid possible line-ups but had to make special arrangements for the newest member of their family in advance.
“You’re only allowed two pets per plane so we had to book him in a month ago just to make sure we could bring him along and hope that he behaves,” said Bryn Delyea who was heading to Kelowna, B.C. for Christmas.
READ MORE: Travel tips for the holidays
Up to 4,000 passengers per day will be moving through the airport, that’s a 10 to 15 per cent increase compared to a normal day. Travelling this time of year can be a headache but airport officials say it doesn’t have to be.
“The security screeners will have additional resources there, additional lanes open to process. That being said, that doesn’t preclude the passenger from ensuring they’re prepared, it’s all about time management and planning for your journey,” said Stephen Maybury, president and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority.
His best advice? Arrive 60 minutes or more in advance of a domestic flight at the airport, two hours prior to your boarding time, not your flight time, for an international flight.
“We also strongly recommend you check with the airline that way you can confirm the flight status prior to getting here.”
Up in the air on whether you should wrap Christmas gifts? Maybury says don’t bother or you could end up wrapping them twice.
“Should the security screeners want to open that they will have to take the wrapper off.”
“As well, you can always check on line with the CASTA website which is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and they have a list of non-permitted items on there and that will help you as your packing to ensure you have the right things there.”
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