Travel expert warns Canadians of crowded airports ahead of March break

It might be wise to pack your patience and plan ahead if you’re heading on vacation this upcoming spring break. As it’s expected to be a hectic time for air travel.

Allison Wallace, a spokesperson with Flight Centre told CityNews the demand to fly has been strong across the country.

“It’s definitely going to be a busy one, we’re seeing numbers very close to pre-pandemic numbers,” she said.

Wallace added she doesn’t think airports will be ready for what’s coming.

“The biggest challenge is [airports] aren’t there, in terms of staffing, to meet the demand. The demand is absolutely incredible and it’s going to be very busy at the airports,” she explained. “Security lines are going to be full, planes are going to be full, everything is going to take a little bit longer.”

While many voiced their concerns over the chaos that ensued at airports during this past Christmas holiday season, Wallace believes this upcoming travel season, although busy, will not be as chaotic.

“We’re hoping that weather co-operates and we’re hoping that there’s no major scheduling conflicts,” she added.

Although Wallace points out, if there is an extreme weather event, like there was across much of North America this past December, then people should expect cancellations and delays.

“If something like that were to happen, it has a domino affect on other flights and schedules. It’s not like there’s a fleet of planes sitting at [an airport], if one has a mechanical issue, it’s that the plane is going from destination and back, picking up from each side,” she said. “There’s a lot of moving parts.”

Wallace also provided some tips on how to make your vacation travel as stress-free as possible.

For example, check-in online 24 hours before your flight to ensure you have all of your information in, making it easier to move through security and lines when you arrive at the airport. And, if you want to avoid checking a bag, Wallace advises packing small and tightly because your carry-on will most likely not fit in the overhead compartments given how full planes are projected to be.

Lastly, if you’re worried about your flight being cancelled or delayed, Wallace recommends purchasing the right insurance before your vacation – so you’ll be covered in case of a trip cancellation or interruption.