The holidays are here, and that means YYC Calgary International Airport is buzzing with excitement! Whether you’re jetting off for a winter escape, heading home for a long-awaited family reunion, or taking your very first flight, we’re here to help make your journey smooth, safe, and (dare we say) joyful. 

This December, we’re expecting over 1.48 million travellers to pass through our doors – so a little planning can go a long way. Here are our best tips to help you breeze through the airport and start your holiday adventure on the right foot: 

1. Give yourself extra time 

• Domestic flights: Arrive at least two hours before departure. 

• International flights: Arrive at least three hours early to allow time for check-in, security, and U.S. border control for anyone travelling to the U.S.. 

• Don’t forget to factor in winter road conditions when heading to the airport! 

2. Stay up to date 

• Double-check your flight status with your airline before leaving home. 

• Turn on notifications for real-time updates about schedule or gate changes. 

3. Ease your journey 

• Book your parking online in advance with YYC’s online parking reservation system. 

• Need a little extra help? YYC offers accessibility assistance for travellers of all ages and abilities. 

• Pack smart, for helpful tips to get through security screening, visit the CATSA website at catsa.gc.ca. Check out the Travel Checklist and the ‘What Can I Bring?’ tools to help ensure a smooth and efficient screening experience.  

4. Travelling to the U.S. or arriving internationally? 

• Download the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control app to speed up passport inspection and reduce wait times if you’re heading south of the border. 

• Returning to Canada? Use the ArriveCan App to complete your Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before your flight. 

5. What’s new at YYC: Centralized Security Screening 

We’re excited to introduce our new Centralized Security Screening area (Phase 1 opens this week!) for domestic travellers. Located between doors 4 and 7 on the departures level, this area features seven new lanes, each with CATSA CT X-ray technology. That means you can keep electronics and permitted liquids (100 mL or less) in your carry-on – making security screening simpler and easier than ever.