YYC and partners offer travel tips in anticipation of record-setting summer air travel season

In anticipation of the busiest summer air travel season on record, The Calgary Airport Authority and its partners have compiled a planeload of travel tips to ensure guests have an enjoyable and seamless experience while visiting YYC Calgary International Airport over the next two months.

An all-time high 64,000 passengers are expected to visit YYC daily in July and August, surpassing the previous record of 62,700 daily passengers set last year and well above the previous pre-pandemic high of 57,700 daily passengers set in 2019.

“We encourage our guests to take advantage of the many no-cost, time-saving features offered by YYC and our partners that can reduce wait times and improve their overall airport experience,” said Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer at The Authority. “These services are integral to YYC’s commitment to deliver an exceptional guest experience while adhering to our mandate of providing safe, secure and efficient airport operations.”  

Here are some features that YYC guests can take advantage of:

• An online parking reservation system for guests to book in advance.
• YYC Express, an online reservation platform that allows travellers to book their spot in the security line ahead of time.
• Over 80 shopping and dining options.
• Kids Zones and quiet spaces where families can decompress before their journey.
• Our White Hat Volunteers to assist travellers with wayfinding and our Pre-Board Pals volunteers delight guests with pet therapy.

 The Authority also offers the following tips for guests:

• Plan in advance by checking with your airline for the most up-to-date information on flights and departures. 
• Arrive early to give yourself extra time to navigate the check-in, baggage, and screening processes. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

With the arrival of the busy summer travel season, a seamless, memorable travel experience relies on all the partners involved in the airport’s ecosystem, including airlines, security screeners and border agents.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

“CATSA is well staffed and prepared for the busy summer season at YYC Calgary International Airport,” said Shannon Martens, Director, Service Delivery, Prairies. “While our screening lines are well-staffed, it’s important to remember that wait times can occur during peak periods. We encourage passengers to arrive well in advance of their flight departure time and to be prepared for security screening before they travel by visiting the “What Can I Bring” and “Travel Tips” sections of our website at catsa.ca.”

Here are a few tips to help make security screening more efficient this summer:

• Have your boarding pass ready to be scanned by the screening officer.
• Place loose or small items such as coins, keys and ear buds in your carry-on bag.
• Make sure your liquids, aerosols and gels are in containers no larger than 100 ml. Place these items in a clear 1 litre resealable plastic bag and place it in the bin – one bag per passenger.
• Families or passengers who need a little extra help at the security checkpoint should look for the Family/Special Needs line.
• Unpack your computer and place it in the bin, with nothing on top or underneath it. Place your liquids bags in the bin with your laptop or put a sticker on your laptop so it’s easy to identify your items after the X-ray.
• Ensure that all electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be removed from cases and powered on.
• At the end of screening, make sure you don’t leave anything behind – especially your laptop, cellphone or other electronics. Most importantly, ensure all the items you collect and repack are yours.

Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers to be ready for their arrival to Canada by having the appropriate travel documentation prepared, declaring all goods purchased abroad, and being informed about what items are not permitted to cross the border – including cannabis. Travellers flying into YYC can also save time with Advance Declaration, which allows travellers to make their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of arrival.

“The CBSA is ready to welcome visitors and returning Canadians to YYC this summer. The CBSA wants travellers arriving in Canada to have a smooth border experience and we are prepared for the busy summer season and events like the Calgary Stampede,” said Lisa White, CBSA Director. “Travellers arriving at the Calgary International Airport are reminded to have their travel documents ready and use tools like the CBSA’s Advance Declaration to speed up processing time. I encourage travellers to visit the CBSA website for travel tips and important border information.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Eligible travellers to the United States are encouraged to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
• The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.  Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue.  As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.

With 18.5 million passengers in 2023 and expected to grow in 2024, The Authority and its partners play an important role in creating first impressions of Alberta’s western hospitality and connecting people and places around the world.

We encourage travellers to visit YYC’s website and Twitter for the most up-to-date information for a safe, secure and efficient journey.

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 (YYC) and Springbank Airport (YBW). 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