During a global pandemic, getting there is definitely not half the fun.
Just back from my first international flights since early 2020, I can sadly confirm that flying and crossing borders is more stressful and challenging than ever.
That's tough for travellers, but for travel advisors the current chaos presents both an opportunity and a huge responsibility. Arming clients with the information they need to travel with confidence is demanding and time-consuming, but it's a definitive demonstration of value.
Flying hasn't been easy since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which revealed major vulnerabilities in airport security. Since then, we've been removing our shoes and holding up our beltless pants as we move through scanners. Millions of bottles of liquids have been confiscated from confused or forgetful travellers along the way, including duty-free liquor and expensive shampoos (and that's just me).
We've had 20 years to adapt to that new reality, but the global pandemic has compounded the confusion. Added to the post 9/11 security measures are temperature checks, mask mandates, proof of vaccination requirements, negative COVID test documentation, restricted lounge seating and more.
To add to the complexity, many countries have their own requirements for entry, often in the form of online forms that can be confusing and poorly translated. Successful completion gets you a QR code or other documentation to be printed out or kept handy on your phone. Quick tip: I strongly suggest that travellers do both, in case of phone battery death or lousy Internet connections.
I'll use my trip as an example of the current demands on travellers. I flew to Barcelona through Frankfurt and home from Rome, also through FRA. Transiting Germany was fine, I simply had to show proof of vaccination. Entering Spain required possession of a QR code obtained by filling out an online form, but a negative COVID test was not required.
After a night in Barcelona, I boarded a Costa Cruises ship. The Italy-based cruise line is not requiring proof of vaccination at this point. Instead, it's relying on health checks, frequent testing and mask requirements to reduce the chances of an outbreak.
I took a mandatory antigen quick-test at the cruise terminal in a smooth and relatively painless process. Because the ship was stopping in Italy, and I was departing from Rome, I also had to fill out an online form required for entry to that country.
On the third day of my four-night cruise, I was given another antigen test. Then on the last day, my poor nose was scraped for a third time - a PCR test on this occasion - in order to be able to return to Canada.
Returning to Canada also requires fliers to download the ArriveCan app, upload proof of vaccination, and answer a series of questions. Once complete, a digital receipt is provided.
On arrival at Pearson, after 16 hours of wearily navigating airports full of stressed travellers and exhausted employees, the CBSA officer didn't want to see the ArriveCan receipt, just my passport and proof of a negative PCR test.
I thought I was completely prepared. But as I scrambled to find the documentation among my sheaf of COVID travel papers, I came up with the wrong one, the antigen test from midway through the cruise. The agent looked at it and shook his head.
Finally, I found the right test result. "Good thing," said the agent. "If you didn't, it's a $5,000 fine." $5,000? Yikes!
My takeaways from the experience: the stakes are high, the processes are confusing and the rules may change at any time. It's definitely daunting, even for experienced travellers.
Things will improve, we can only hope, with more standard documentation and simplified processes. Currently, however, the many hurdles are a disincentive to international travel, especially for multi-country entry.
For me, visiting the great cities of Europe again and watching Mediterranean sunsets from my cruise ship balcony made all the travel stress worthwhile. I hope your travel-starved clients will feel the same way.
By arming them with clear, step-by-step information on what they'll need for each stage of their journey, you'll enable your clients to travel as smoothly as possible, without fear of big fines or being denied entry.
That's a valuable service. And it's worth paying for.
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