Spring break travel tips

With more than 1,288,017 passengers travelling through YVR for spring break between March 14 to 30, YVR is providing essentials travel tips to make your journey through the airport seamless, stress-free, and enjoyable. 

Have a plan  

• Check your travel documents: Ensure your passport, ID, visas, and any required travel documents are valid and up to date well before your trip.  
• Stay informed: Check your flight status with your airline and complete online check-in before arriving at the airport.  
• Parking: 
  • If driving to YVR, pre-book your parking at yvr.ca/parking to guarantee your spot. 
  • Taking transit? The Canada Line gets you from downtown Vancouver to the airport in under 30 minutes. 

Pack smart  

• Streamline your security screening experience: Ensure liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on are in containers of 100mL or less and packed in a clear, 1L resealable bag. Check the CATSA website for the latest security screening guidelines: Pack your carry-on
• Label your luggage: With thousands of items lost at YVR each month, clearly label your bags and valuables with your contact information. If you misplace something, file a claim on YVR’s website—there’s no fee to do so. More information here. 
• Bringing a taste from your travels? Make sure any food items you are bringing back into Canada is allowed before you pack! Know the rules before you do: Plan before you pack.   

Arrive early 

• Recommended arrival times:  
  • For a domestic flight, plan to be at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. 
  • For a U.S. or international flight, plan to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled departure time. 
• Check-in and security screening: Visit our Operational Snapshot for near real-time information on current security screening wait times. Arriving early ensures enough time to check in, drop bags, pass through security, and relax before your flight. 

Use our travel tools 

• Passenger journey tool: Get step-by-step guides for navigating the airport by selecting your departing flight on YVR’s website. 
• Mobile Passport Control: Flying to the U.S.? Submit your declaration via the MPC app for a faster customs process. 
• ArriveCAN: For international arrivals, use ArriveCAN to submit your declaration in advance and expedite customs clearance. 

Enjoy YVR 

• Shop, dine and relax: With over 170 shops, services, and restaurants, there’s plenty to explore at YVR. Arrive early to enjoy a meal, pick up a last-minute gift, or simply unwind before your flight. 
  • Try something new! Bubble Waffle Café, which opened in early January and located pre-security near U.S. departures, is now serving up delicious bites.  
  • Flying out early? Start your day on the sunny side with some of our top breakfast spots at YVR. Check out our favorites here!

Picking up loved ones?  

• Use the Cellphone Waiting Area: Avoid circling the terminal and park for free in our Cellphone Waiting Area while waiting for your party to arrive. 
• Free 30-min parking: Have your party take advantage of our free 30-minute parking in our parkade.  
• Updated pickup locations for domestic travellers: Travellers arriving from a Canadian destination can be picked up curbside on Level 1; taxi/rideshare pickup is on Level 2. 

Need help?  

• Look for YVR Guest Experience team members and Green Coat volunteers throughout the terminal or at our Information Counters. They’re happy to help with any questions you have. 
• If you require accessibility support from curbside to your check-in counter, book curbside assistance at least 48 hours in advance through our 24/7 call centre: 
  • Phone: 604.207.7077 
  • TTY/TDD: 604.207.7070 
  • Email: customercallcentre@yvr.ca 
• For assistance to and from the boarding gate, as well as with boarding or deplaning, make sure to notify your airline at least 48 hours before your flight when making travel arrangements. 

For more spring break travel tips, visit yvr.ca/travelplanning. Safe travels!