Travel news, warnings & information
AMA Travel strives to provide travellers with up to date information on travel related events as they occur. For more information, please contact us directly by visiting us in-store at one of our AMA Centres, by phone at 1-800-222-6400, or online.
AMA Travel in the news | General travel news
AMA Travel in the news
AMA Travel supports Pharmasave "Exceptional Mother Contest"
May 1, 2012 - AMA Travel is mentioned in the article "Exceptional Mother Contest back at Pharmasave" by the Camrose News.
AMA Travel Manager quoted in Edmonton Journal Air Canada strike article
March 9, 2012 - AMA Travel Manager Roland VanMeurs, aka the "Travel Guy", discusses the impact of the strike and the averted flight crisis in the Edmonton Journal article, "Travellers and agents relieved Air Canada strike averted".
New tax-included pricing for advertised airfares
January 24, 2012 - Prices for airfare will appear differently on AMATravel.ca and on other websites. At first glance, fares may appear to increase in price substantially, but in reality, the only aspect that has changed is how the fares are displayed.
The change, which takes effect Jan. 26, is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to provide more transparency for the consumer on travel costs. Keep reading more about this change.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
AMA Travel Sales Director quoted in Calgary Herald
January 21, 2012 - AMA Travel Director of Sales Nikola Berube was interviewed on the impact of Lufthansa's exit out of the Calgary (YYC) airport. It's last flight will be on February 4. Berube stated there might be "a level of disappointment" for consumers looking to book with Lufthansa, but that there are many other airlines and attractive pricing that will accomodate Albertan travellers. Read the full article, "Lufthansa withdrawing from Calgary market".
Canada - AMA Travel Specialist quoted in Globe & Mail article
January 13, 2012 - AMA Travel Specialist Evelyne Drouin (specializing in Spanish destinations) was quoted in the Globe and Mail Saturday paper regarding the best places from which to explore Spain. You can read the full article here: What's a great home base to explore Spain from? Or, email Evelyne Drouin to futher discuss your spanish travel plans.
Alberta - CAA Disney Club of the Year award
At the recent CAA Vision Travel Conference, AMA Travel was presented with the 2011 CAA Disney Club of the Year Award. This award recognizes the Canadian club that experienced the largest increase in sales in Disney products. A big way-to-go and thank you for your contributions to our successful ongoing partnership with Disney Parks and Resorts! This award is a result of the hard work of our travel specialists, and the confidence that our customers show in our services.
Canada - CAA launches comprehensive smartphone app
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), parent company for AMA, has launched a brand new smartphone app. Canadians will be able to request roadside assistance, search for exclusive Member savings, plan a trip with TripTik®, and more. Download this app for free for Blackberry, iPhone or Android smartphones.
Sherwood Park - AMA opens new centre
On October 31, the much anticipated new AMA Sherwood Park Centre opened its doors to the Sherwood Park community. Members and staff were excited about the move from the original 2,100 square foot location to a beautiful, spacious 7,500 square foot building right on Baseline Road (official address: #19, 101 Bremner Drive).
The new Sherwood Park Centre now offers travel services including passport photos, park passes, ski tickets and all other North American and International services. In addition, a new ATM is available that offers self-serve foreign currency. Travel accessories and luggage are also available.
Get the new Sherwood Park centre's contact information, hours of operation and maps to the location.
Fort McMurray - Virtually Together with our AMA Travel experts
AMA has launched a new service called, "Virtually Together", within our Fort McMurray centres.
Virtually Together is an interactive technology-based service that allows you to connect directly to an AMA Travel Specialist via two-way video conferencing. Sit back and relax in one of our specially designed client rooms at the Fort McMurray Centre and discuss your travel needs with one of our travel experts. They’ll provide you with the advice, options and recommendations you’ve come to expect when planning your vacation experience.
Get Virtually Together with AMA Travel today. Call (780) 743-2442 or visit us at 4 Hospital Street to make an appointment.
General travel news
Cruise industry announces new safety policies
May 3, 2012 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council have announced that the cruise industry has adopted three new safety policies to be implemented immediately. The three policies will be reported to the United Nations International Maritime Organization for consideration at their next session in May.
The three policies govern:
1) Passage Planning – It will now be a mandatory minimum requirement and enhanced by endorsement of the best practices contained in the International Chamber of Shipping’s Bridge Procedures Guide. Furthermore, under this policy each passage plan is to be thoroughly briefed to all bridge team members well in advance of its implementation and it is to be drafted by a designated officer and approved by the master.
2) Personnel Access To the Bridge - To minimize unnecessary disruptions and distractions on the bridge, there will be a policy that bridge access is to be limited to those with operational functions during any period of restricted maneuvering or when increased vigilance is required.
3) Lifejackets – In addition to the statutory requirement of carriage of lifejackets for each person on board, a policy of carrying additional adult lifejackets onboard each cruise ship in excess of these legal requirements so that the number of additional adult lifejackets to be provided must not be less than the total number of persons berthed within the ship’s most populated main vertical fire zone. This ensures that the number of lifejackets carried is far in excess of the number of persons actually on board the ship.
CLIA is working to review and improve safety measures along with a team of maritime and safety experts. They plan to develop best practices for industry-wide implementation and provide formal submission to the International Maritime Organization.
Air Canada Update - Delays and Disruptions April 13-14
April 13, 2012 - Due to job action by some Air Canada pilots, Air Canada is experiencing delays and some cancellations of flights today. Air Canada is making every effort to re-accommodate affected customers on alternate flights. Customers are requested to check the status of their flight online before leaving for the airport.
Air Canada has stated the following regarding the disruption of service: "Effective immediately, in order to address the concerns of our customers, ACV has introduced a flexible rebooking policy to enable customers booked for travel April 13 and April 14 2012 only. Passengers may re-book an alternate Air Canada Vacations flight or package within a 10-day booking window for travel to be completed by April 30, 2013 or cancel with a full refund. Customers are responsible for any price differential resulting from selection of a higher-priced alternative. This policy applies to scheduled departures as indicated above only. Please contact Customer Care at 1-800-296-3408."
AMA Travel will continue to provide updates on this situation as Air Canada releases information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local AMA.
Federal Budget changes tax-exemptions for U.S. travel
March 30, 2012 - If the Federal Budget passes, the following changes will come in effect June 1, 2012:
- People who travel outside of Canada for 24-48 hours will be able to return with $200 of tax-exempt goods. The previous limit was $50.
- Those who stay in the U.S. longer than 48 hours can bring back $800, up from $400.
- The rules for same-day trips of less than 24 hours have not changed - travellers cannot bring back anything duty-free. The same rules apply for Canadians who travel abroad.
Read more on the proposed 2012 federal budget.
New Tax Included Pricing for Advertised Airfares
January 24, 2012 - Prices for airfare will appear differently on AMATravel.ca and on other websites. At first glance, fares may appear to increase in price substantially, but in reality, the only aspect that has changed is how the fares are displayed.
The change, which takes effect Jan. 26, is part of a Department of Transportation (DOT) effort to provide more transparency for the consumer on travel costs. Keep reading more about this change.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
Important information for clients travelling to Costa Rica
January 18, 2012 - Canadians intending to visit Costa Rica require a valid Canadian passport and the passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date of arrival in Costa Rica.
Passengers are responsible to pay a local departure tax of $28.00 USD per person upon leaving Costa Rica. Please note this amount can change without notice.
For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy Protection
AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection in the United States. They have taken this action in order to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive and thereby assure our long-term viability and ability to continue delivering a world-class travel experience for customers.
American Airlines and American Eagle are operating normal flight schedules, and their reservations, customer service, AAdvantage program, Admirals Clubs and all other operations are conducting business as usual. AMA Travel continues to monitor this situation closely and will provide updates in a timely fashion. For further information about your travel arrangements booked with AMA Travel, please contact your Travel Counsellor.
New passport requirements for children
To protect Canadian children against child abduction and to further enhance the security of the Canadian passport program, Passport Canada will require travel document applications for children under 16 years of age be accompanied by proof of parentage documentation. This takes effect on December 1, 2011.
For more information, see our AMA Travel section on Passports & Visas.
Christchurch, New Zealand:
December 23, 2012 - A series of earthquakes struck New Zealand near the city of Christchurch today, causing damage and disruption. The tremors have injured at least two people and resulted in the closure of the Christchurch airport. The first, a 5.8-magnitude quake, with an epicenter 26 kms east-northeast of Christchurch, took place just before 2 p.m. Offices closed and people filed out of buildings. Fallen rocks created problems for traffic. Less than 1.5 hrs after the first tremor, a 5.9-magnitude quake shook the region. Its epicenter was 15 kms from Christchurch.
Bangkok, Thailand:
Foreign Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to Bangkok and flood-affected areas. Areas of northern and eastern Bangkok, as well as outlying districts, and 26 provinces of Thailand are experiencing significant flooding. See the Travel Warning issued by Foreign Affairs Canada for details.
Hurricane Rina:
The Travel Warning issued by Foreign Affairs Canada has been removed.
Country warnings
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt except for anyone wishing to travel there at this time or in the near future, should review the current Travel Reports and Warnings for more information.
Air travel security - advice for all travellers
Before leaving home, we recommend that you check the status of your flight directly with your airline and also confirm any changes related to the following topics as they may vary by airport and airline.
- Recommended check-in times may increase, so arrive early to avoid delays at security.
- Carry on and checked baggage policies may change and may limit the amount of carry on you are permitted to take.
- Verify your flight status directly with the airline.
- Check the airport website for updates on security and other policies
Note that some airlines may have limited in-flight services due to security changes
For current information:
The links below will direct you to AMA information, government agencies and/or news sources that provide information related to border crossings, security measures, required travel documents, and travel warnings and alerts.
Travel insurance | Checked bag policies | Passport requirements
Destination details | Related links
Travel insurance
Destination details | Related links
Cuba - Anyone entering Cuba is required to disclose that they have health insurance at immigration when entering the country. If you do not have coverage, you will be required to purchase their government product at the time of your arrival. Prior to departure, please double-check your policy to ensure it does not exclude Cuba.
Europe - Canadians travelling to Europe are urged to carry proof of supplemental health insurance. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine specifically request Canadian citizens be prepared to - in some cases required to - show proof of medical coverage while visiting.
Checked bag policies
It’s becoming more common for airlines to charge travellers a fee for checking luggage. Before you pack and leave on your flight, check with your Travel Counsellor or the airline for details.
Passport requirements
NEW! Canada to Dominican Republic:
As of April 30, 2012, Canadians travelling to the Dominican Republic will require Canadian passports to enter the country.
Canada to United States - travelling by air only:
New Identity Screening Regulations are required for all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 12 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding:
- ONE piece of valid government-issued PHOTO ID that shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Passport or Drivers License)
OR
- TWO pieces of valid government-issued ID (without a photo), one of which shows name, date of birth, and gender (Example: Birth Certificate along with Government Health Card)
AND
- The name on the identification must match the name on the boarding pass. These rules are part of the Government of Canada’s new Identity Screening Regulations for air travel. All rules for flights to the United States and other international travel continue to apply.
AMA Travel strongly recommends that Canadian Citizens planning to travel obtain a Canadian Passport, well in advance of your travel date, as this is the most widely accepted form of ID when travelling.
Canadian and American passengers flying into Mexico are required to show a valid passport. Please visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Website for further information.
Read the full listing of passport requirements and fees.
Destination details
AMA strives to offer the best and most current destination information its members. There are three options available to all users of AMA Travel services.
- Research our travel destination information and online maps.
- Order your FREE destination tourbooks, maps, guides and campbooks (free offer valid for members-only).
- Come into the AMA centre to you, and talk to one of our expert travel counsellors (and pick up our free destination brochures).
Related links
- Travel Warnings (Government of Alberta Foreign Affairs)
If the country you intend to visit has a Travel Warning, you may wish to reconsider your travel plans. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel counsellor travel insurer or airline, as it could cost you money. - News & media sources for informed travellers
Daily updated service with news and media information on events affecting travel itineraries and traveller safety. - Passport and Travel Documentation (Government of Canada Passport Department)
Information on passports and travel information. You may also apply for your passport online. - Border Crossing Information (Canada Border Services Agency)
Find out how long you may have to wait to cross the border. - Health Advisories for Travellers (Public Health Agency of Canada)
General information and recommendations on travel health topics. - Road Reports (AMA Road Reports® )
AMA provides current reports on road conditions throughout Alberta based on information received from highway maintenance contractors, the RCMP, and Parks Canada. The AMA Road Report page also provides links to road conditions sites outside of Alberta (e.g B.C.). - Weather Conditions (Canada, USA and International)
