CALGARY – The holiday season brings its own kind of magic, and nowhere is that more apparent than at YYC Calgary International Airport. This December, an estimated 48,000 travellers will pass through the airport each day. With the joy of reunions, exciting getaways and festive energy filling the air, The Calgary Airport Authority and its partners are helping prepare guests for the bustling holiday season by sharing their top travel tips.
“The holidays are all about connection,” said Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer of The Calgary Airport Authority. “We see families hugging at arrivals, kids spotting planes for the first time and travellers with gifts in tow. It’s our privilege to help make these moments even more special by making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.”
For those heading through YYC this season, The Authority and its partners share the following tips to help navigate the busy holiday season with ease and confidence:
- 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 at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow adequate time for check in. Be sure to account for winter road conditions when planning your travel to the airport.
- Travelling to the U.S.? From 7-11 a.m., access to security and customs for all U.S.-bound general boarding passengers is limited to two hours before your flight.
- Book parking online and in advance via YYC’s online parking reservation system.
- YYC offers accessibility assistance for people of all ages and abilities.
- Use YYC Express, an online reservation platform that allows travellers to book their spot in the security line ahead of time.
- Download U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control app to help reduce passport inspection time and overall wait times when travelling to the U.S.
- Save time at the border by downloading the ArriveCan App to complete your Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before your flight.
Travellers passing through YYC can also enjoy a range of festive activities to make their holiday journey even brighter, such as The Authority’s annual Festival of Trees from December 2 to 31; live musical performances featured across the airport; gift wrapping stations post-security; and a reading nook with books donated by staff of The Authority, complete with Storytime Sessions hosted by White Hat Volunteers.
"Across our operation we have made substantial investments in our people, technology and equipment to improve the guest experience across all touchpoints of the travel journey, while enhancing our preparedness for predictably unpredictable winter conditions," said Colleen Tynan, WestJet, Vice-President, Guest Experience. "As we support the 1.7 million guests travelling across our network this holiday season, we can't wait to see their stories take off as we connect them to the people and places they love most."
“Our top tip for travellers to be travel-ready is to download and use the Air Canada app. You can use it to check-in in advance. It keeps you informed with real-time flight updates, baggage tracking and Aeroplan account access,” said Joey Hadjar, General Manager – Alberta Operations at Air Canada. “Secondly, when packing, check your baggage allowance so there are no surprises when you get to the airport. And thirdly, arrive at the airport by the recommended times with all required documents for travel. Our team will be pleased to help you and you’ll be able to relax at YYC ahead of your flight. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard!”
“As CATSA prepares for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, I’m proud to share that we are well-staffed and ready to provide the most secure aviation security screening service and the best client experience,” said President and CEO of CATSA, Nada Semaan. “This year, we’ve given Calgary the gift of CT X-ray technology. For a few lucky passengers travelling to the USA who are screened on our first CT line, liquids and laptops can stay in their carry-on. We wish all air passengers safe travels this holiday season.”
“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is ready to welcome travellers at Calgary International Airport,” said CBSA Director, Lisa White. “To reduce stress and save time, we recommend you come with your travel documents ready and be prepared to declare any items, including gifts, you are bringing into Canada. Remember to leave gifts unwrapped and easily accessible, in case they need to be examined by CBSA officers. For more ways to ensure smooth travel this season, please review the Border Reminder Checklist on the CBSA website.”
About The Calgary Airport Authority
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport. The Authority’s commitment to safety remains a top priority. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. The Authority was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements about our current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends. Although The Authority believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.
Media Contact:
The Calgary Airport Authority
media@yyc.com
403-735-5899