Canadians making the trip to Ohana and SHN and the travel rules that goes with it.

josevolution

PJNB said:

josevolution said:

I feel for the folks that have to bow out of shows, hope people get to attend shows without anxiety of virus! 

While true for some, my anxiety comes from shows cancelling unexpectedly and travel requirements needed for me to go to the USA. Being vaccinated and otherwise healthy I have very little anxiety of the virus at outdoor shows itself. I do feel for those that are missing shows that do of course. 

Yeah no doubt cancellation sucks! 

RatherStarved

If anyone is flying from Toronto there’s a testing service on the Pearson website with Antigen test for entering US for about $65 Canadian.  

PJNB

RatherStarved said:

If anyone is flying from Toronto there’s a testing service on the Pearson website with Antigen test for entering US for about $65 Canadian.  

That is a pretty good option. 15 minutes and you get your results? 

In New Brunswick we can go to our normal testing sites and get it for free. 24-48hrs time frame to get the results back. My plan now is to get two tests in N.B. since we will not be in the USA for more than 72 hrs. 

camhendy

My fiancè and I are deliberating pretty hard right now on SHN too. We would be flying out of Pearson and staying in NYC from Sept 16th to the 21st. Already have the fest tickets, could get the test on the 19th/20th in NYC. It feels like a lot of balls to juggle and it's definitely stressful.

PJNB

camhendy said:

My fiancè and I are deliberating pretty hard right now on SHN too. We would be flying out of Pearson and staying in NYC from Sept 16th to the 21st. Already have the fest tickets, could get the test on the 19th/20th in NYC. It feels like a lot of balls to juggle and it's definitely stressful.

You should be fine in NY with testing locations. If it was me though I would cut the trip short 1 day and get tested late on the 17th for peace of mind. 

1ThoughtKnown

We are probably going to shorten our trip to stay within the 72hr window for Ohana Encore. 

- Get the PCR test on September 29th to meet the flight and concert requirements (in the event our proof of vaccine is inadequate) 
- Fly Air Canada to San Diego on October 1st. Land with enough time to get the rental, drive to Carlsbad and check into hotel, drive to shuttle location and get to the show. Should be there in time for Beck without much problem (fingers crossed)

- Fly home Sunday afternoon on WestJet. 

This completely eliminates the possibility of getting stuck in the US as the original PCR test will allow us back across the border. Originally out WestJet flight was booked in this fashion, however scheduling changes with their airline partner (Delta more than likely) resulted in the flight being pushed back to Thursday the 30th. 

For everyone’s information, Shopper’s Drug Mart offers the rapid test (antigen) for $40 which allows you access to the US by air. Of course, you need a molecular test to get back into Canada.  

EDIT - Have to rethink all this. If the test is older than 72hrs, you have to get another test. This is harder than it has to be in my opinion. Have to get the test at the airport prior to flying.  This could get complicated. 

KV4053

PJNB said:

Thanks everyone! I am sure others are battling with these decisions as well and if anyone has something else they can add I am all ears. Two Pearl Jam shows should be enough this year but it really hurts missing the first weekend with the great festival they have put on. If testing or things with her family member change in the positive direction we will revisit the idea of week 1 but at this point I have already mentally prepared that it will be a missed show. 

I feel for you. This virus causes so much stress. 

PJNB

1ThoughtKnown said:

We are probably going to shorten our trip to stay within the 72hr window for Ohana Encore. 

- Get the PCR test on September 29th to meet the flight and concert requirements (in the event our proof of vaccine is inadequate) 
- Fly Air Canada to San Diego on October 1st. Land with enough time to get the rental, drive to Carlsbad and check into hotel, drive to shuttle location and get to the show. Should be there in time for Beck without much problem (fingers crossed)

- Fly home Sunday afternoon on WestJet. 

This completely eliminates the possibility of getting stuck in the US as the original PCR test will allow us back across the border. Originally out WestJet flight was booked in this fashion, however scheduling changes with their airline partner (Delta more than likely) resulted in the flight being pushed back to Thursday the 30th. 

For everyone’s information, Shopper’s Drug Mart offers the rapid test (antigen) for $40 which allows you access to the US by air. Of course, you need a molecular test to get back into Canada.  

Sounds good but one thing I am sure you have thought of is the test you get in Canada that you are using to get home with can be positive and you are still stuck in the US. Low risk but still a chance. Also unless I am missing something it looks like to me you are not getting the test on the 30th which would be the day you would need to get it (after the departure flight time for Sunday) and instead the 29th? That is 96hrs not 72. 

PJNB

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

1ThoughtKnown

PJNB said:

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

I don’t think so. I have not come across any free testing in my search. The airport testing is done by “Numi Health” and they have prices on their website. 

I’m looking into changing flights into LAX to stay in the 72hr window. The whole rental car “lottery” kind of worries me of course. 

Get the PCR test on Thursday night as late as possible to keep in that window? It’s frustrating because the PCR test at the airport wants you there four hours prior to your flight. Problem - they open at 8.  I’m not leaving at noon or later…. 

It’s plainly obvious they don’t want anyone flying to the US, thus making it as difficult as possible. 

PJNB

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

I don’t think so. I have not come across any free testing in my search. The airport testing is done by “Numi Health” and they have prices on their website. 

I’m looking into changing flights into LAX to stay in the 72hr window. The whole rental car “lottery” kind of worries me of course. 

Get the PCR test on Thursday night as late as possible to keep in that window? It’s frustrating because the PCR test at the airport wants you there four hours prior to your flight. Problem - they open at 8.  I’m not leaving at noon or later…. 

It’s plainly obvious they don’t want anyone flying to the US, thus making it as difficult as possible. 

How do you get tested normally if you have symptoms or a close contact? We call 811 here and they set up a referral for the testing location to call us to make an appointment. All free being a resident of the province. 

1ThoughtKnown

PJNB said:

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

I don’t think so. I have not come across any free testing in my search. The airport testing is done by “Numi Health” and they have prices on their website. 

I’m looking into changing flights into LAX to stay in the 72hr window. The whole rental car “lottery” kind of worries me of course. 

Get the PCR test on Thursday night as late as possible to keep in that window? It’s frustrating because the PCR test at the airport wants you there four hours prior to your flight. Problem - they open at 8.  I’m not leaving at noon or later…. 

It’s plainly obvious they don’t want anyone flying to the US, thus making it as difficult as possible. 

How do you get tested normally if you have symptoms or a close contact? We call 811 here and they set up a referral for the testing location to call us to make an appointment. All free being a resident of the province. 

In that case you would get a free PCR test yes. Same process I believe. 

Spunkie

Your thread inspired me to find top 4 beachfront quarantine hotels if I can't get back in Canada whjch my travel insurance will mostly cover, so I'm looking at it like a cheap extended vacation.

Pipsqueak won't be allowed back in school for 10 days if we do make our scheduled flight home. She'd only miss 2 full days with Thanksgiving and half days for conferences, so guess I'll go where the wave takes me.

Side bar- How on earth can testing costs be so goddamn different between provinces? I drew the short stick!

PJNB

tish said:

Your thread inspired me to find top 4 beachfront quarantine hotels if I can't get back in Canada whjch my travel insurance will mostly cover, so I'm looking at it like a cheap extended vacation.

Pipsqueak won't be allowed back in school for 10 days if we do make our scheduled flight home. She'd only miss 2 full days with Thanksgiving and half days for conferences, so guess I'll go where the wave takes me.

Side bar- How on earth can testing costs be so goddamn different between provinces? I drew the short stick!

Main reason I started this post was because of a handful of people I have chatted with on PM's did not know that this was even a thing. Maybe the rules change on Sep 21st but not very likely. Sounds like you have a good plan in place tish! 

F Me In The Brain

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

I don’t think so. I have not come across any free testing in my search. The airport testing is done by “Numi Health” and they have prices on their website. 

I’m looking into changing flights into LAX to stay in the 72hr window. The whole rental car “lottery” kind of worries me of course. 

Get the PCR test on Thursday night as late as possible to keep in that window? It’s frustrating because the PCR test at the airport wants you there four hours prior to your flight. Problem - they open at 8.  I’m not leaving at noon or later…. 

It’s plainly obvious they don’t want anyone flying to the US, thus making it as difficult as possible. 

How do you get tested normally if you have symptoms or a close contact? We call 811 here and they set up a referral for the testing location to call us to make an appointment. All free being a resident of the province. 

In that case you would get a free PCR test yes. Same process I believe. 

What is the rental car lottery you reference?
I'm not sure how much you travel but I may be able to assist in rental car hacks....I've looked for lots of ways to game the system as rentals can be a travelers worst nightmare.

Spunkie

PJNB said:

tish said:

Your thread inspired me to find top 4 beachfront quarantine hotels if I can't get back in Canada whjch my travel insurance will mostly cover, so I'm looking at it like a cheap extended vacation.

Pipsqueak won't be allowed back in school for 10 days if we do make our scheduled flight home. She'd only miss 2 full days with Thanksgiving and half days for conferences, so guess I'll go where the wave takes me.

Side bar- How on earth can testing costs be so goddamn different between provinces? I drew the short stick!

Main reason I started this post was because of a handful of people I have chatted with on PM's did not know that this was even a thing. Maybe the rules change on Sep 21st but not very likely. Sounds like you have a good plan in place tish! 

.

RatherStarved

tish said:

PJNB said:

tish said:

Your thread inspired me to find top 4 beachfront quarantine hotels if I can't get back in Canada whjch my travel insurance will mostly cover, so I'm looking at it like a cheap extended vacation.

Pipsqueak won't be allowed back in school for 10 days if we do make our scheduled flight home. She'd only miss 2 full days with Thanksgiving and half days for conferences, so guess I'll go where the wave takes me.

Side bar- How on earth can testing costs be so goddamn different between provinces? I drew the short stick!

Main reason I started this post was because of a handful of people I have chatted with on PM's did not know that this was even a thing. Maybe the rules change on Sep 21st but not very likely. Sounds like you have a good plan in place tish! 

I know all the rules, but the rules do not know me! Ha.

It's funny, because your thread took the stance of the risk being not getting back into Canada; whereas I was more concerned about not getting in to the States!

For the last three weeks, my city has had 7-900 weekly cases of people that actually tested (the high rate of unvaxxers here don't bother). During the highest winter peak, previously we rarely hit 200, and considered highs were 70. I'm fairly sure we've been exposed now (I might do asymptomatic testing). I was scared of the delta exposure happening Sept 7-25, during the first few weeks back at school.

The US-Can border restrictions make little sense at this point, imo.

I’m with Tish…get me to the shows…if something delays my return I’ll deal with it.  

PJNB

RatherStarved said:

tish said:

PJNB said:

tish said:

Your thread inspired me to find top 4 beachfront quarantine hotels if I can't get back in Canada whjch my travel insurance will mostly cover, so I'm looking at it like a cheap extended vacation.

Pipsqueak won't be allowed back in school for 10 days if we do make our scheduled flight home. She'd only miss 2 full days with Thanksgiving and half days for conferences, so guess I'll go where the wave takes me.

Side bar- How on earth can testing costs be so goddamn different between provinces? I drew the short stick!

Main reason I started this post was because of a handful of people I have chatted with on PM's did not know that this was even a thing. Maybe the rules change on Sep 21st but not very likely. Sounds like you have a good plan in place tish! 

I know all the rules, but the rules do not know me! Ha.

It's funny, because your thread took the stance of the risk being not getting back into Canada; whereas I was more concerned about not getting in to the States!

For the last three weeks, my city has had 7-900 weekly cases of people that actually tested (the high rate of unvaxxers here don't bother). During the highest winter peak, previously we rarely hit 200, and considered highs were 70. I'm fairly sure we've been exposed now (I might do asymptomatic testing). I was scared of the delta exposure happening Sept 7-25, during the first few weeks back at school.

The US-Can border restrictions make little sense at this point, imo.

I’m with Tish…get me to the shows…if something delays my return I’ll deal with it.  

For us it is not about us dealing with it if something delays our return. Its everyone else that is affected with our kids needing to be watched for 14 more days and work would be a disaster if I missed 14 days just so I could see a concert in the US. 

1ThoughtKnown

F Me In The Brain said:

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

1ThoughtKnown said:

PJNB said:

@1ThoughtKnown

Does Alberta not do free testing for travel? New Brunswick does. We are taking advantage of that. Two PCR tests prior to leaving two days apart.Tuesday and Thursday. Early morning flight Sunday though is a necessity for us since we are flying out Thursday and live in the Atlantic Time Zone. Not sure if they would actually look at it close enough to pick up the fact we are 4hrs ahead of them. Would make my life easier if they did not factor that in. 

I don’t think so. I have not come across any free testing in my search. The airport testing is done by “Numi Health” and they have prices on their website. 

I’m looking into changing flights into LAX to stay in the 72hr window. The whole rental car “lottery” kind of worries me of course. 

Get the PCR test on Thursday night as late as possible to keep in that window? It’s frustrating because the PCR test at the airport wants you there four hours prior to your flight. Problem - they open at 8.  I’m not leaving at noon or later…. 

It’s plainly obvious they don’t want anyone flying to the US, thus making it as difficult as possible. 

How do you get tested normally if you have symptoms or a close contact? We call 811 here and they set up a referral for the testing location to call us to make an appointment. All free being a resident of the province. 

In that case you would get a free PCR test yes. Same process I believe. 

What is the rental car lottery you reference?
I'm not sure how much you travel but I may be able to assist in rental car hacks....I've looked for lots of ways to game the system as rentals can be a travelers worst nightmare.

LAX car rental spots are notorious for taking your reservation and then you show up and there is no car. Cue the Seinfeld episode. 

Any hacks you have would be appreciated. The best was when yahoo did car rentals. Those were the days. Cars for $8 a day with unlimited kms. 

cp3iverson

Im not even going grocery shopping anymore because of delta.   Concerts aren’t anywhere in my general direction.  

I can definitely understand the stress of crossing the border for a show and the covid rules.  Hope you can navigate it safely and stress free.