Opening doors to more accessible travel at YVR

On Saturday, November 7, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) hosted an accessibility travel rehearsal experience, in partnership with Air Canada and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), for participants from Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC), Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS).

More than 60 participants took part in the travel rehearsal experience, moving through key stages of the passenger journey such as check-in, security screening, and boarding. Participants experienced a range of accessibility services and supports firsthand. These included specialized equipment such as the Eagle Lift and Aisle Chair, as well as airport amenities, sighted-guidance navigation and service and guide dog travel, including puppies in training. These supports help travellers move through the airport, access services, and board aircraft safely and confidently.

For many people living with a disability, navigating an unfamiliar airport environment can be a source of stress and uncertainty. Opportunities like this help make the journey more predictable by allowing participants and their families to ask questions, better understand what to expect and gain confidence before arriving at the airport for a trip.

At YVR, we believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Creating a welcoming and inclusive airport experience means continually working to remove barriers and make travel more predictable and comfortable for people of all abilities. Accessibility travel rehearsals play an important role in that work, helping participants build confidence while providing valuable insights that inform future accessibility improvements. By listening to travellers and learning from their experiences, we can continue creating an airport experience that is more inclusive, supportive and welcoming for all.

This initiative builds on YVR's longstanding commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive airport experience for all travellers. Since 2013, YVR has partnered with SCI BC to support travel familiarization experiences that help individuals with disabilities and their families gain confidence in navigating the airport journey. YVR has also worked closely with PADS, providing opportunities for assistance dogs in training to become accustomed to the unique sights, sounds, and sensory experiences of a busy airport environment. Additionally, YVR has partnered with CNIB to host tours and engagement activities that help inform accessibility improvements and enhance the travel experience for people who are blind or partially sighted.

While every travellers needs are different, the goal remains the same: to help make air travel more accessible, comfortable and welcoming for everyone. Through collaboration with community organizations, airlines and accessibility advocates, YVR continues to learn, improve and create a better travel experience for travellers of all abilities.

Because when travel becomes more accessible, more people can experience the connections, opportunities and adventures that travel makes possible.