More than 100,000 travellers to pass through Pearson airport Friday

Travellers with tickets booked on Air Canada are breathing a sigh of relief after the federal government stepped in to thwart labour disruptions planned for March Break.

Air Canada had threatened to lock out its pilots on Monday. The airline’s 8,600 machinists, baggage handlers and cargo agents had also threatened to strike the same day.

On Thursday, federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt sent both issues to the Industrial Labour Relations Board, which basically slows the process down.

The development comes as Pearson International Airport braces for one of its busiest days of the year. The facility is expecting 108,000 people to pass through its gates on Friday.

Peel Police provided CityNews with the following travel tips:

Before you leave:

• Check for travel warnings – travel section of the newspaper.
• Obtain traveller’s cheques and record the numbers.
• Record passport information in two safe places.
• List emergency phone numbers.
• Passport office phone number
• Credit card numbers
• Travellers cheque phone number
• Do not announce travel plans to people you don’t know well and do not post on-line through social media sites.
• Purchase a money belt.  Don’t carry all your cash, traveller’s cheques etc. in one place.
• Take only the valuables you need and properly secure those valuables such as jewellery you leave behind in a safety deposit box.

Travelling Alone?

• Let a friend or family member know your daily plans and plan to call.

Securing your home

• Ask a trusted family member or friend to regularly pick up flyers and mail when you’re away.  Invite them to use your driveway.
• Arrange for snow removal.
• Place lights on at least two timers.  Try to duplicate the way your house would normally look.

At the Airport

• Place your destination or business address on the luggage tag.  Leave your home address inside your luggage.
• Do not leave jewellery or other valuables you require for your trip in checked luggage.
• Carry your passport in a shirt pocket if you can.
• Constantly monitor and/or hold onto your bags.
• Be aware of the potential for distraction thefts.

At the hotel

 

• Don’t allow hotel staff, service people or any other visitor into your room without confirming who they are with the front desk.
• Do not leave small valuables that can be pocketed in your room.  Use the hotel safe if required.
• Limit the valuables you carry around pool and beach areas.
• Keep doors and windows locked, including the balcony door.

Car trips

• In addition to normal precautions that you would take:
• Don’t leave maps on display.
• Accompany children to the washroom.