Families preparing for holiday travel for the first time in years will need to brush up on the latest flying regulations.
This holiday season will have many more families flying in and out of Manitoba at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. Communications Manager Jennifer Cameron says the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) has seen travel pick up this year and is preparing for a busier December than the year before.
"Domestic travel has been steadily increasing over the summer and fall, so we are looking forward to a bit of a busier holiday season for the first time since the onset of the pandemic," Cameron says.
She is expecting the days before and after Christmas to be the busiest days this season.
"We are looking forward to seeing more travellers coming through in the coming weeks and leading up to the holiday season."
Things inside the airport will look different for both frequent and non-frequent flyers. Cameron says not all of their shops have reopened, and everyone inside of the airport is required to wear a non-medical mask.
"For those planning to travel this holiday season, it's important to know the requirements for your travel itinerary, and ensure that you have the proper documentation for your trip."
New, starting Tuesday, all domestic travellers by plane will need to have proof of being fully vaccinated. A negative COVID-19 test will no longer be accepted as an alternative.
"The most helpful tip for travel right now is to plan ahead and continue to review what is required for your itinerary for your departure.
Before the travel date, Cameron says it is very important for people to understand not only the travel rules and recommendations for the country or region they are going to but also the airlines themselves.
Some countries require negative COVID-19 tests to enter. Last week, a COVID-19 testing site opened at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.