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:

1. SLEIGH THE STRESS – PLAN AHEAD

Travel stress doesn’t have to be part of your holiday story. By planning ahead, you’ll save time and stay one step ahead of the holiday rush.

• Check your flights: Check with your airline for the most up-to-date information on flights and departure times prior to leaving for the airport.
• Arrive early: The airport will be busier than usual, and winter weather can add unexpected delays to your commute. Plan to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. 
  • 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.
• Reserve parking: Book parking online and in advance via YYC’s online parking reservation system. 

2. DASH THROUGH SECURITY AND CUSTOMS

YYC and its partners offer plenty of time-saving tech, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.

• Save your spot in the security line: Use YYC Express, an online reservation platform that allows travellers to book their spot in the security line ahead of time.
• Download the Mobile Passport Control app: If you’re flying to the U.S., this app helps to reduce passport inspection time and overall wait times when travelling to the U.S.
• Use ArriveCAN: Save time at the border by completing your Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.
• Leave gifts unwrapped: Help streamline the security screening process by leaving your holiday gifts unwrapped. Our elves at YYC will be happy to wrap your presents at one of our stations post-security near gates D, E and A.

3. OH, WHAT FUN IT IS TO STAY!

Why just pass through when you can enjoy all the holiday festivities that YYC has to offer? 

• View the Festival of Trees: From Dec. 2 to 31, marvel at trees across the airport, beautifully decorated by YYC’s partners. Make sure to cast your vote for the Fan Favourite tree online. Click to vote!
• Enjoy live musical performances: Look out for local musicians at our International Arrivals holiday stage, the Concourse A stage and at Domestic Arrivals near Doors 17 and 5. We also suggest keeping an eye out for our White Hat Volunteer carolers roaming the terminal this holiday season.
• Read a book or hear a story: Pick up a book from our holiday reading nook near D gates, where books donated by staff of YYC are available for free. White Hat Volunteers will also host Storytime sessions during set times over the next four weeks.

4. ROCKIN’ AROUND ARRIVALS

The arrivals area should be as joyful as the hugs you’re there for, which is why YYC offers: 

• White Hat Volunteers: Our White Hat Volunteers are easy to find while sporting brilliant white cowboy hats and red vests, and ready to lend a hand, answer questions and welcome you to our city.
• Free parking: Enjoy 20 minutes of free parking when you book online or pull up to the parkade—plenty of time for warm welcomes and unrushed goodbyes. 
• Wait at our free Cellphone Lot: Reminder that for everyone’s safety and efficiency, don’t leave your car unattended at the curb. YYC offers a free Cellphone Lot where you can wait for your friends, family and guests until they pick up their luggage.

At YYC, we’re not just about getting you from Point A to Point B — we’re here to make every step of your trip feel as special as the season itself.