YYC and Partners Creating Smooth Journey for Travelers

With an increase in passengers moving through YYC Calgary International Airport, The Calgary Airport Authority and its partners are taking action to enhance the guest experience throughout one of the busiest summers in recent years.

YYC started seeing steady increases in passenger traffic in April and May 2022. In May, 1.3 million passengers passed through the terminal, amounting to approximately 42,000 guests per day. Those numbers are expected to increase in July and August toward 50,000 guests per day as YYC continues to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

“We are preparing to welcome and support guests reconnecting with loved ones and new destinations in a new era of air travel,” said Chris Miles, Vice President of Operations and Infrastructure at The Authority. “The travel experience is different than it was in 2020 and we are doing everything we can to help guests prepare and to take some of the turbulence out of the journey.”

Guests can look forward to features including:

• YYC Express - a pilot program that allows guests to book a time to go through security screening via a dedicated queue,
• An online parking reservation system where travelers can save time and money by booking parking prior to arrival,
• Kids Zones and quiet spaces where families can decompress before their journey,
• Legendary hospitality and support from YYC’s iconic volunteers and customer care ambassadors, including White Hat Volunteers and Pre-Board Pals,
• A new landing page for travelers to access all the information they need in a single location – including resources on when to arrive, what to pack and where to eat and shop.

As demand for travel bounces back, a seamless, memorable travel experience relies on all the partners involved in the airport’s ecosystem, including airlines, security screeners, and border agents.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) regularly shares carry-on packing advice, information for families, seniors and those with special needs, and wait times for queues at security screening to help guests streamline the experience. At YYC, CATSA has also opened an additional screening lane at Pre-Board Screening D that will help move passengers through the security screening process.

“The more prepared travelers are, the easier it is for us to move them through security as quickly as possible,” said Sandra Alvarez, CATSA spokesperson. “We encourage travelers to access CATSA’s “Breeze through security!” mobile app for tips and information that will help make the screening process faster and easier.”

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, that they are required to submit their information in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or by website), up to 72 hours before entering Canada. This is a mandatory requirement to avoid potential quarantine periods and fines.

“Travelers returning to Canada should be ready to declare all goods purchased abroad and have their receipts readily available,” said Chief Bob Talarico, the Acting Director of the Central Alberta District, Prairie Region for CBSA. “Many people are travelling with pets, and pets need to be declared too in order to avoid delays.”

Leading the way in the recovery of the travel sector, WestJet has been preparing for summer to better serve its guests. The airline has meticulously planned to ensure aircraft are all flying in peak performance, has hired more than 1,000 people across all operational areas including its contact center, and continues to keep guests up-to-date on evolving travel requirements through its Get Travel Ready hub.

“This summer we are restoring our network in Alberta to pre-pandemic levels as we look to welcome back guests to travel,” said Morgan Bell, WestJet Manager of Media & Public Relations. “With many guests returning to the skies for the first time in more than two years, it’s important they give themselves extra time, plan ahead, prepare for the travel experience, remember to perhaps take a little longer, and to have patience for other guests and staff who might be travelling or working for the first time in many months.”

With more than 13 million passengers expected to travel through YYC in 2022 – up from 6.3 million in 2021 - The Authority and its partners play an important role as a gateway to Alberta.

 “YYC’s efforts to enhance the visitor journey support our goal of attracting international visitors to Alberta and driving revenue for the province,” said David Goldstein, CEO, Travel Alberta.