Pearson Airport in Toronto. (Photo 58430854 © Niloo138 | Dreamstime.com)

By Chris Brown

‘Very stressful’: navigating the chaos at airports

Jul 4, 2022 | 3:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Travellers eager to fly and travel industry staff shortages have led to chaos and long waits at airports in Canada and around the world.

In addition to flight cancellations, people and luggage are being delayed moving through airports to make first flights and connections.

Air Canada had the most delays among all airlines on Saturday and Sunday, while Toronto’s Pearson Airport was second among airports worldwide, according to tracking service FlightAware.

“We are seeing members impacted by both flight cancellations and delays and this is, you know, clearly a very stressful experience for travellers,” says Nikola Berube, director of sales with AMA Travel.

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She says AMA travel agents field about 50 to 200 calls each day from travellers with questions about changes and delays.

Berube says those who have been dealt cancellations and changes will have it a little bit easier if they booked through a travel agent.

She says agents will have the resources so people know what their options are, what the rules as it comes to air passenger rights, what can be neogtiated with the airline they’re travelling with and what has to be changed for any impacted parts of the trip.

If you didn’t book with an agent, you’re left dealing with the airline directly. Berube says that’s likely to lead to more frustration because of long hold times on the phone.

“So try to see what you can do online. A lot of the airlines today are allowing you to accept scheduled changes online or make changes online or cancel for a full refund,” she says. “And you might want to weigh out your options. You might be better off to cancel get the full refund and start over if you don’t have other arrangements that are going to be impacted by cancelling. Certainly, check what your change and cancellation fees are before making any decisions.”

Anyone booking now should make sure they’re aware of what the current situation is like for the industry, Berube says. They should also get interruption and delay insurance, above what is offered when you pay with a credit card.

She adds using a Nexus card and travelling with only a carry-on will make your experience more seamless.