If your holiday plans include air travel, the Ottawa International Airport Authority has some important information you need to know before you fly.

Pack more patience

• Arrive early.
• Have all necessary documentation available and ready for inspection.
• The new public health guidelines that encourage those with any symptoms to isolate are impacting staffing levels across the airport campus – various parts of the travel process may experience delays.
• Remember that everyone is doing their best to get you on your way.

Public Health guidelines

• All passengers, employees, meeters, and greeters must wear a mask properly when in the airport. It should fit snugly over your mouth and nose. Unless you have a rare medical exemption, you will be reminded to wear your mask.
• Where possible, please ensure proper physical distancing.
• Use the hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes provided throughout the airport.

Vaccinations

• All travellers aged 12 (plus four months) or older must provide proof of vaccination. The Pan-Canadian Proof of Vaccination Credential is a reliable way to show your immunization status for travel. Ontario residents can get their proof of vaccination at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination. Residents of Quebec can get their proof of vaccination at https://covid19.quebec.ca/PreuveVaccinale.

• Proof of vaccination is verified by airline staff and may also be requested by security screening agents.
• If travelling internationally, the country you are departing to will likely require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departure. Test results will be verified by your airline before departure and by the host country’s customs and border agency upon arrival. Check with your airline, travel agent or destination country for your specific requirement.

Airlines

• Check with your carrier before you fly for the most up-to-date flight information and any specific requirements they may have.

Security

• Carry-on exemptions still apply. Visit CATSA’s website to learn what you can and can’t carry on the aircraft.
• Don’t wrap gifts – security staff may unwrap them for inspection.

Food and Beverage/Retail

All restaurants and stores have not yet reopened, so we encourage passengers to check www.yow.ca, under services,for information about what restaurant and shopping options are available. If you need a last-minute gift, The Locks (in the Canada/International gate area) is well stocked with some amazing local products.

Recent public health guidelines associated with the Omicron variant are impacting staffing levels across the airport campus. This issue could affect various points in the travel process, including check-in, security screening, baggage loading, aircraft marshalling, fuelling, de-icing and incoming baggage delivery, among others. Please understand that everyone is doing their best during these challenging circumstances to make the travel process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

For more information on travelling during COVID-19, visit www.yow.ca/recovery.

Whether travelling or staying close to home, we wish you safe and happy holidays!

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