7 Things You’ll Need to Know Before You Travel Again

August 23, 2021 Marsha Mowers

It’s been at least nearly two years since most of us have travelled and with all the new COVID restrictions and protocols, travel is very different.  Canadian Travel News recently flew to New York City for a night, before departing on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Here’s a rundown of how travel is different and what you need to know.

You must present a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours in advance.

The US allows Rapid Antigen Tests, which is far less invasive than a PCR (feels like a little tickle) and can be done by a pharmacist. Results are fast – only 15 mins, while you wait.  In Ontario and Alberta, you can make an appointment at certain Shoppers Drug Marts for $40.

It’s important (and confusing) to note that you do not need to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States, you just need to have the negative test. Hawaii does require all travellers to be fully vaccinated however. To find out requirements for other countries, try Sherpa.

Checking in online will require more information than it used to, but choose that over counter check-in.

We flew Air Canada and when checking in online, we needed to upload a photo of our negative test as part of the process.  Air Canada reviewed it and we received a confirmation that our results were approved a couple hours after check-in.

Because we were flying to the US, we also needed to fill out the US Attestation form, which basically is a legal document declaring you don’t have COVID. This was a step on the Air Canada check-in online process. Print this out and bring it with you to the airport – the line was so long they were collected by staff while we were waiting.

Ensure you have both electronic and print copies of key documents.

Royal Caribbean requires all passengers to be fully vaccinated (over the age of 12) and you will need to show your proof of vaccination and negative test at multiple checkpoints to board. It’s a fantastic feeling to know the company has such strict protocols and checks at a variety of points along the way.  Wi-fi isn’t always reliable at the terminal for check-in, so finding results via email can be tricky and time-consuming.

You also, at least in NYC, need to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Until we have an international standard, just make sure you have a screenshot and carry a print copy of your certificate as a backup.

Allow the extra time for the airport. Really.

Lineups to go through security are very long. The Nexus line is open, but you can’t access it until you get through the line.  We arrived at 5:45am for an 8:30am flight and was through pre-clearance at 7:15am.  Not terribly bad considering the situation, but for a Nexus user who is used to sailing through in half an hour, it was an eye opener.

Before you book, check ahead to see if your destination accepts mixed doses as fully vaccinated.

We’re sure this is going to be quite an issue as we open up, with many Canadians having received one AstraZeneca mixed with a Pfizer or Moderna.  Currently, most cruises require two doses of the same to be considered fully vaccinated and AstraZeneca is not recognized in the US. However, it is for European cruise departures and destinations as well as many other countries.

Use a travel agent.

If ever there was a time for someone to book your trip for you, it’s now.  Rules are constantly changing – and travel agents are up to date on the most recent. Do yourself a favour and use one, you’ll thank us later.

Perhaps most importantly, when packing, don’t forget to pack your patience.

It’s cliché, but it’s true.  Everyone is adapting to the new reality as best they can. Staff are being brought back and retrained; traveller tempers are on the edge – the industry’s doing as best they can as we emerge. Understand there are going to be extra steps, extra time involved, but rest assured, that first step into the airport and onto a plane will be one of the best feelings you’ll have.  Travel’s back.

About the Author