Travel ramping up as Vancouver sees warmer weather
Posted May 10, 2023 11:14 pm.
Last Updated May 10, 2023 11:15 pm.
At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a spokesperson says it’s seeing 60,000 travellers per day heading into the Mother’s Day weekend
With summer approaching, that number is projected to go up to 80,000 each day.
CityNews went to YVR and asked travellers just where they were off to.
“Germany… there’s an adult figure skating competition there… I used points so it was good – been saving them through the pandemic,” one person said.
“We’re going to Ottawa to attend a wedding… A little bit expensive for sure – we’re really happy that the constrictions are not so tight anymore. Really great to see family and friends again,” said another airport traveller.
“I’m travelling to Madrid. I’m actually a seaman, so I just finished my contract, and I’m going back home,” another added.
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More people are flooding the airports and planes this year, eager to travel after staying grounded during the pandemic. But it might not be smooth sailing according to a travel consultant, who says airports are still trying to fill roles left by baby boomers retiring.
“When I call most of the suppliers, whether it’s airlines internationally, domestically, cruise lines I should be expecting that almost 70 per cent or 50 per cent of their employees are new trainees. And I have to be very patient with them. I have to give them time,” said Wedad Bishara, owner and consultant at Marlin Travel – Bishara Tours.
A spokesperson for YVR says it is working with airlines and their summer schedules to make sure passengers can get to where they want to go without delays.
“We’ve got a robust action plan with 25 actions in five key areas, many of which are already well underway, and that we will be using and putting into place during the busy summer travel months,” explained YVR Communications Manager Alyssa Smith.
Higher ticket prices present another potential barrier for those looking to travel this summer, as Bishara says flights are 25 per cent more expensive this year than in the past.
“I think that this reflects the high demand. And in the meantime, the airlines lost quite a bit of money over the last couple of years and I think it’s a matter of adjusting. The market needs to adjust itself again to go back to the norm.”
Bishara also says a common mistake travellers are making this year is not checking their passports after being grounded for the past few years. If it expires within six months of their return date, they can’t fly.
Back at YVR, CityNews asked a few travellers for their best tips to make the flight process run smoothly.
“Read all your documents – make sure you’ve got everything in line,” one traveller said.
“Plan ahead… and also travel light,” another added.
“When it comes to toiletries, liquids, electronics, don’t keep that queue waiting. Just have it ready to go,” said another.
