YVR holiday crowds expected to be half of pre-pandemic levels
In 2019, between 90,000 and 100,00 travellers passed through Vancouver International Airport per day during the peak holiday season.
It’s expected around 45,000 passengers will travel on those same days this year, with an ever-changing set of COVID-19 rules likely keeping many from attempting air travel.
“So we still have a long way to go to build back,” said Morgan Bell with WestJet.
The company's advice for those who are travelling his holiday season? “We can’t stress enough for people to plan and arrive early, and for people to understand that the travel environment has changed," Bell said.
All domestic and international air travellers aged 12 and older need to be vaccinated to board a flight in Canada. And many destinations require pre-departure testing.
“One of the most important things you can do is find out what the requirements and regulations are of the place you are going to. Many different places have different requirements, whether it’s a test or vaccine you need to be ready to produce,” said YVR vice president Robyn McVicker.
The United States requires a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. There are several pre-flight testing sites at the airport.
“We are set up here at YVR from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. that captures all of the departing flights, the morning rush for United and Delta and Westjet flights heading down, and then the afternoon flights as well,” said Graham Williamson with CVM Medical, which has a testing location in U.S. departures.
When British Columbians fly back to YVR from the U.S., they may be subject to random COVID-19 testing at the airport. It’s now mandatory for returning travellers from all other international destinations. They have to quarantine until they get their results, typically within 48 hours.
The ArriveCan app is also required to return to the country.
“We understand that travel is complex and a little bit more confusing for Canadian travellers,” said Bell, adding everyone is out of travel practice.
“Have patience with your screening offices, have patience with your border agents, have patience with each other, because we are all coming back into this.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.