Winter travel in Canada isn’t just colder—it’s less forgiving. Flights get delayed. Roads get slippery. Luggage gets heavier.
And the small assumptions people make in summer become expensive mistakes in winter.
If you’re flying into or out of Ottawa or Montreal during the colder months, here is what most travelers forget—and why it matters.
1. Winter Turns “On-Time” Into “Maybe”
In winter, even a smooth flight can land late. Snow removal, de-icing, runway congestion, and gate delays are routine, not exceptions.
What people forget:
- Ride pickups scheduled too tightly.
- Drivers who leave if you’re late.
- No buffer for customs or baggage delays.
❄️ Smart Move: Book a transfer that tracks arrival times and automatically adjusts pickup timing based on your actual landing.
2. Luggage Becomes a Bigger Problem
Winter luggage is heavier and bulkier. You are dealing with puffy coats, heavy boots, extra bags, and often kids’ gear.
What people forget:
- Small vehicles struggle with winter luggage volume.
- Rideshares may cancel when they see the load size.
- Rear seats filled with bags = uncomfortable rides.
❄️ Smart Move: Choose door-to-door transfers that plan for real luggage, not ideal conditions. Ensure the vehicle size matches your winter gear.
3. Late-Night Arrivals Are Riskier in Winter
Winter flights often land late at night, in poor visibility, on icy roads, and after long travel days. Fatigue plus winter roads is a bad combination.
What people forget:
- Driving tired is as dangerous as driving impaired.
- Long winter highways demand 100% focus.
- Navigation errors increase in snow and dark conditions.
❄️ Smart Move: Let someone else handle the drive when conditions are worst. Your safety is worth the cost.
4. Parking Isn’t “Set and Forget”
Many travelers drive themselves to the airport thinking it’s simpler. However, the winter reality often hits hard upon return.
What people forget:
- Snowplows can block parked cars in.
- Batteries often die in extreme cold weather.
- Digging out a car at 3:00 a.m. after a flight is brutal.
❄️ Smart Move: Skip parking entirely. Arrive door-to-door and walk straight into your warm home.
5. Weather Changes Faster Than Plans
Clear skies at departure don’t mean clear roads on arrival.
What people forget:
- Weather systems move quickly.
- Conditions vary drastically between cities (e.g., Montreal vs. Ottawa).
- One bad stretch of highway can change everything.
❄️ Smart Move: Rely on professional drivers who are intimately familiar with winter routes and highway conditions.
6. “I’ll Figure It Out” Is a Winter Trap
Winter is not the season for improvisation. Last-minute decisions often lead to long waits, cancellations, and stress when you’re already exhausted.
What people forget:
- Availability for rides drops during storms.
- Surge pricing spikes unpredictably.
- Waiting on a freezing curb is not how you want to end a vacation.
❄️ Smart Move: Plan the ground ride with the same care as the flight.
Conclusion
In winter, airport transfers aren’t just about convenience—they’re about risk reduction.
The best trips are the ones where you step off the plane, step into a warm car, and get home safely without thinking twice. Plan the ride home before winter plans it for you.
Ready for a stress-free return? 👉 Book a winter-ready airport transfer at Ride Me Home
