Air Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) is preparing for one of the busier times of year for air travel. Here are some of the things that can trip up travelers and how you can prepare for smooth holiday flights.
Arrive at the airport early
The best way to have a relaxing trip is to allow yourself plenty of time. Airlines will provide guidelines on minimum arrival times for flights, but you’ll save yourself stress by arriving earlier than required. Come early to enjoy some great food and drink in the main terminal and in the secure passenger lounge.
Have a parking plan
There are plenty of parking spaces available at our main terminal, but parking can fill up quickly on the busiest travel days. It may take you longer than usual to find a spot, so allow extra time to find a space, and to walk from the lot into the terminal building.
Explore your check-in options
You can save time by checking in and printing your boarding passes at home or sending it to your phone. When you arrive at the terminal, you will just need to check your bags or go straight to the security line, if you don’t have any checked bags. Please keep in mind that we are undergoing a system upgrade for our baggage check-in, therefore you may notice a few extra x-ray machines during the renovations. This scanning process should not take longer than usual, however arriving early should avoid any undue stress.
Flight status information
Wondering if your flight is on time, delayed or cancelled? Verify with your airline before heading to the airport.
Air Canada: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/flight-information/flight-status-results.html
WestJet: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/flight-info/flight-status
Porter: https://www.flyporter.com/Flight/Status?culture=en-CA
Know your baggage requirements
Be sure to check with your airline on their baggage policies to find out if any additional charges may apply to your checked or carry-on bags.
Air Canada: www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage
WestJet: www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/baggage/index
Porter Airlines: www.flyporter.com/travel-information/baggage?culture=en-CA
Bring ID for everyone
Make sure that you have the required identification and travel documentation for everyone on your reservation, including children and infants. If you’re travelling internationally, other countries may have different entrance requirements: determine all documents required before your trip. A single parent traveling with a child may need a letter from the other parent authorizing the travel. Be sure that your passport is in good condition. If you are travelling with a passport that is damaged in any way you could face significant delays, and may be denied boarding on flights. Check with your airline to make sure that you have all the identification required for your journey.
Air Canada: www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/traveldoc.html
WestJet: www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/identification.shtml
Porter Airlines: www.flyporter.com/travel-information/security-screening/id-requirements?culture=en-CA
Keep your presents unwrapped
Any wrapped presents should be placed in your checked bags. Airport screening may need to unwrap presents located in your carry-on bag during the screening process, causing delays for you and your fellow travelers.
Indulge responsibly in festive cheer
Canadian aviation regulations prohibit airlines from allowing a traveler to board an aircraft when they are intoxicated and may be a hazard to the aircraft or to those on board. Don’t ruin your holiday trip by being denied boarding on your flight.
Confirm your airline’s seasonal pet policy
Some airlines don’t accept pets for travel in checked baggage during the holiday rush. Check with your airline to determine their policy, and to see if your small animal is eligible to travel in the cabin of the aircraft.
Air Canada: www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/pets.html
WestJet: www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/special-arrangements/pets.shtml
Porter Airlines: www.flyporter.com/travel-information/special-items/pets?culture=en-CA
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About Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)
YQM is a progressive airport and the leading airport in the central Maritimes. 24/7/365 – everyone associated with the airport strives to provide superior air service to passengers travelling all over the world and to the global cargo industry -safe, convenient, efficient, bilingual and businesslike.
YQM also strives to maximize its contribution to local and regional economic and community development – it currently drives over $665 million of economic activity annually, making it one of the top private-sector economic contributors to New Brunswick’s economy. YQM is a member of Vantage Airport Group.
Your economy. Your airport.
For more information:
Julie Pondant, Corporate Communications Specialist
506-856-5459 or 506-962-2830
jpondant@cyqm.ca