The Calgary Airport Authority and Partners Share Top Holiday Travel Tips

The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority) along with its partners are ready for the busy holiday travel season and are sharing tips to help guests prepare for their journey through YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC).

From Dec. 16 to Jan. 3, an average of 55,000 guests per day are anticipated to pass through YYC, with 1.5 million expected to pass through in December alone.

“We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to everyone travelling through YYC this holiday season,” said Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer, The Calgary Airport Authority. “Whether you’re off exploring new places, visiting loved ones or returning to familiar destinations, YYC and our partners are hard at work to ensure you have a safe and seamless journey through our airport.”

A few travel tips to help ensure a seamless journey:

• Book parking online and in advance via our online parking reservation system.
• Use YYC Express, an online reservation platform that allows travellers to book their spot in the security line ahead of time.
• Families are welcome to enjoy Kids Zones and quiet spaces located around the terminal.
• Seek out YYC’s Customer Care Ambassadors, White Hat Volunteers and Pre-Board Pals, who are available to provide support.
• YYC offers accessibility assistance for people of all ages and abilities.
• Visit our holiday landing page to access all the information travellers may need in one spot, including resources on when to arrive, what to pack and where to eat and shop. 

Plan in advance: Check with your airline for the most up-to-date information on flights and departure times prior to leaving for the airport.

Remember to arrive early: Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow adequate time for check in and security screening, U.S. border control for those travelling to the U.S., and be sure to account for winter road conditions when planning your travel to the airport. Have extra time before your flight? Explore the conveniences of YYC, including over 80 shopping and dining options.

A seamless, memorable travel experience relies on all the partners involved in the airport’s ecosystem, including airlines, security screeners, and border agents.

“CATSA is well staffed and prepared for the holiday travel season at The Calgary International Airport,” said Josh Budinski, CATSA General Manager of Service Delivery, Prairies Region. “We encourage all passengers to arrive at the airport early and to be prepared for security screening prior to their travels by going to the “What Can I Bring” and “Travel Tips” sections of our website at catsa.ca.”

When flying into YYC, travellers can save time by using Advance Declaration, which allows them to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival to Canada. Travellers can prepare their declarations at their own pace, in preferred environments before their flight and take advantage of faster processing and express lanes. When making customs declarations, remember to include any alcohol, gifts, as well as food, plant and animal products. Travellers can learn more about declarations, exemption limits and additional travel tips on the CBSA website.

“The CBSA is excited to welcome travellers to Canada this holiday season. It is a busy time at the border so plan ahead and have your travel documents prepared,” said Director Lisa White. “Be ready to declare any out-of-country purchases, including all gifts you are bringing into Canada. Remember to leave these gifts unwrapped or easily accessible in case our Border Services Officers need to inspect the contents.”

“The entire WestJet team is working hard to deliver a seamless and reliable experience to our guests this holiday season and have been proactively preparing to mitigate any foreseeable winter operational challenges within our control,” said Alex Mitchell, YYC Airport Director, WestJet. “Through our operational excellence program, we have implemented a multitude of enhancements to improve the guest experience with a strategic focus on digital self-serve functionality, IT infrastructure management and building additional operational resilience into our network.”