What to know before flying this holiday season

No wrapped gifts in your carry on, and other reminders

CITYnews halifax \ Adam Inniss about 3 hours ago

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This holiday season is the first in two years with no COVID-19 restrictions on air travel. Airports are expected to be busy this season, and the Halifax International Airport wants you to be prepared.

“We’re back to what things looked like before 2020. For people who haven’t taken flights since before the pandemic, it can be confusing and stressful,” said Leah Batstone, the airport’s communications advisor.

The federal government lifted restrictions for airports earlier this year, “you can still wear a mask, and if you want to, we recommend it,” says Batstone.

The airport is expecting things to be busy, but it doesn’t have to be chaos. Batstone has a few simple reminders for people travelling: “leave early, give yourself time, know where you’re going to park, know what you have to do.”

Checking conditions on the road before leaving for the airport is recommended so you can give yourself proper time to get there, but also checking weather conditions and the status of your flight.

“Check that the flight is still on schedule. This time of year when we get winter weather, airlines may choose to delay flights.”

The airport recommends arriving two hours before your flight.

They also recommend understanding the rules for security, and knowing what you can and can’t carry on.

“A really big one this time of year is people wanting to carry on gifts. You can’t bring anything wrapped through security, you have to check them.”

The airport would like everyone to be prepared this holiday season—and remember to be nice.