As Canada’s travel rules are eased, the country’s largest airport says it is “encouraged” by the easing of restrictions, which took effect on Monday.
Unvaccinated passengers can now board the plane again as the federal government withdraws its proof of vaccination requirement for domestic and international departing passengers.
Tori Gus, a spokesman for Toronto Pearson International Airport, called the move a “step in the right direction” as long delays and long queues continue to harass the airport. As more passengers are entitled to the jet set, more employees will also be able to return to work.
“We hope [this] will continue to improve passenger waiting times as the busy summer travel season increases, “Gus said in a statement to CTV News Toronto on Monday.
Meanwhile, the airport will have more hands on deck, with the federal government simultaneously raising the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for transport workers who are “sitting aside” because of politics.
“In a situation where we could use any trained and capable body to support our recovery, this is a very positive development,” Gus said.
However, airport authorities still encourage domestic passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure and international passengers to arrive three hours before departure.
To help speed up security lines, Pearson has provided the following tips for passengers:
- Prepare your boarding pass for inspection
- Wear easily removable outerwear along with non-metallic clothing
- Put coins, keys and metal objects in your hand luggage
- Make sure liquids, aerosols and gels are in containers of 100 ml or less
- Put your laptop in the security bin with nothing on top or under it
- Also make sure that mobile phones and tablets are removed from the luggage and placed in the trash
For passengers arriving in Toronto Pearson, Gus said to take into account that filling out travel and health information at ArriveCAN is still a federal requirement.
To save time, airport authorities recommend that passengers complete their customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before the flight.
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