I’m just back from spending a couple of months in the United States and watched with interest, like most of us, the hand off of the Government from Democrat Barack Obama to GOP President Donald Trump.
It certainly has had a world wide effect quickly so the first question that comes to mind for many of us Snowbirds is “how will this affect Canada” and I guess the easiest analogy is being witnessed with the almost daily changing of the rules, regulations, and especially the systems for travelers.
With the ban - no ban - overruling of the ban - court challenge etc. there is much confusion for travellers so here are just a few thoughts that might make things a little easier for “Joe Average” for crossing the border.
First off these poor Border Guards have a tough enough job as it is, asking the same questions over and over day in and day out in their little security booth, so be gentle. It can’t be fun for them either.
Add to the fact now that their instructions are changing daily as to what they can and can’t legally do, how much power do they have to detain people etc. and to be perfectly frank it must be stressful simply “dealing with liars” as well as trying to figure out who’s a good guy and who’s a bad guy.
So if you’re going to EIA remember a few things:
You’re highly advised to get a NEXUS card. Simple to apply on line and you will get invited for a pre screening interview; and shortly thereafter (around 3 months in all) you have been approved for travel at the highest security level between Canada and the US which, in this day and age, is now a virtual gold mine. It’s cheap as it averages out at about $10 per year. You often get a separate line at security and usually whisk through the borders quite quickly both coming and going. It also has domestic privileges.
Get to the airport early. Weather woes add to winter travel delays but this new awareness and changing of the rules means you’re likely going to be waiting longer to be at the gate.
People who complain about weather issues or mechanical problems delaying their flights baffles my mind.
Be careful of your social media posts. Border security has the right to check your Facebook and Twitter accounts or even to ask for your password on your smartphone or iPad and if you show any tendencies to violence, hate or negative thoughts against the Government you are drawing a big red (and white) flag on to yourself and they CAN deny you entry into the US instantly and for as long as they desire.
Don’t wear offensive t-shirts or hats - or convey any ‘attitude’ when going through their questions.
I now travel extremely light as well, even to Europe. Usually just one small carry on with just the essentials for the trip to make it easier.
It’s getting extremely costly to pay for luggage, both ways, and often it’s cheaper to just buy a few things at your destination. Many folks I know now mail their things back home.
In the middle of winter in Alberta you’re likely not going to need your flip flops, shorts, and scuba mask so why not?
Finally, this may sound simple....but...be patient.
There’s already a great fear of flying on a normal basis that gets matched up with the stress of long lines ups, security checks, flight delays and other distractions so go in with a nice open mind and be nice to those folks who’s job it is to get us all safely on our way to our destination.
Traci Bednard, Fly EIA concurs.
"Bottom line is to talk to your airline and be explicit about your circumstances so they can tell you what they will do in your specific circumstance. Yes, certainly Nexus! Yes, caution on posts!"
There's a lot of confusion these days so Traci suggests contacting your particular airline not EIA especially with travel bans or the like.
"The airport itself has not been advised of significant issues, outside of some confusion from travellers. We don’t receive passenger information, so technically we wouldn’t be advised if passengers were denied boarding for example."
By the way there was a Canadian Snowbird Association meeting in Mesa two weeks ago where their President tells us that the Canadian Snowbird Visa IS moving forward albeit slowly. With the Republicans controlling both houses they are suggesting that it actually may move quicker now and all indications are that the 181 day rule could be approved to 240 days (with special restrictions you sign off on) sometime this year. It's a complicated issue so I'll leave it at that until I receive further official and legal information.
The only bad part about travel is the travel part. Good luck.
A Medium done rare. I’m honored to be one of the ‘fryers’ at the upcoming Capital FM’s Rob Christie Roast that will be held on March 8th at the River Cree Resort.
I’ve known Rob for over four decades now and have a deep respect for his career and achievements and proud that I get to pile on a little fun on Rob with my Edmonton Sun page mates Graham Hicks and Cam Tait, along with media pals Bryan Hall, Susan Reade, Sean Burke and Bruce Bowie.
The roast is a benefit for Edmonton Rotary and it will be a night full of laughter and love. I can't wait to hear my favorite "sit down comic" Cam as he just doesn't play fair and somehow gets away with shots that the rest of us just can't. A true pro.
Please come and support Rotary projects in Edmonton. Tickets are available at edmontonrotary.com under 'events.'
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