YVR's Top 10 Tips for Winter Travel
One of the busiest travel seasons of the year is upon us and we’ve put together a comprehensive list to help you prepare and plan for a seamless travel experience through YVR.
1. Documents and details
Make sure you have your required travel docs – and that they aren’t expired – well in advance of your trip. This includes your passport/ID, airline reservations, bag specifications and any other records or paperwork you may need for the country you’re flying to.
2. Packing pointers
The restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols for carry-on bags remains at 100mL. You will also want to make sure you keep them together in a clear, 1L, resealable bag. More information on what is allowed through security can be found on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website at catsa.gc.ca.
3. Have a parking or transportation plan
Be sure to pre-book your parking at yvr.ca/parking ahead of your trip to ensure you lock in a spot. Otherwise, consider taking the Canada Line, as it can get you from downtown Vancouver to the airport in 30 minutes or less.
4. Check the status of your flight
Skies can be all clear at YVR but winter weather in other parts of the country could impact your journey, so be sure to check the status of your flight at yvr.ca before you leave home. We also encourage you to use our Journeys tool to help plan what you are interested in seeing, doing and/or eating at YVR.
5. Prep your Tech
Before you leave your house, make sure you have all your tech set-up. Get your digital boarding pass ready, pre-load yvr.ca/travelplanning on your phone for easy reference throughout your travel journey and make sure you keep an eye on our Operational Snapshot for the most up-to-date info on security wait times, parkade capacity and more.
6. Lost and Found
Did you know the airport finds between 2,000 – 4,000 items every month? Label your belongings with your name and contact information in case you forget something at the airport. This makes it easier for our team to reunite you with your items. Similarly, use your phone’s lock screen to display an alternative contact number should you be separated from it.
If you do end up losing something at YVR, make sure you file a claim on YVR’s website. We will do our best to help you find it. Remember, there is no cost to submit a lost and found report to YVR. Beware of scam websites asking for a fee.
7. Arrive early and enjoy
From 170 different shops, services and restaurants to our Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI) Program, featuring St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs, there are so many reasons to make sure you arrive early so you can enjoy all the airport has to offer.
8. Grab a last-minute gift
Did you know you can purchase products from the duty-free shop while you’re on the way to the airport and the collect them before boarding your flight? Secure your gifts before you fly and reserve online at Vancouver Shop Duty Free.
9. Nursing rooms
Need a place to feed or pump in private? YVR has nursing rooms and pods available throughout the airport. A list of where you can find them is available here.
10. Pick up your party
Picking up friends or family? YVR’s Cell Phone Waiting Area is a great place to wait for your loved ones to arrive. Avoid circling the terminal and enjoy this complimentary parking lot with free Wi-Fi. We also just introduced 30-min complimentary parking in our Parkade for those quick pick-up and drop-offs.
Have more questions?
Keep an eye out for our YVR Guest Experience team or Green Coat volunteers. Team members are stationed all the way from the curb, through the terminal and at Information Counters and are ready to answer any questions you might have.