Today, the federal government issued an advisory, asking Canadians to travel internationally for essential purposes only, to help manage COVID and its variants.
We understand that, for those who are travelling this holiday season (domestically or for an essential international trip), this may be the first time back at YVR in over a year and there is a lot to be ready for.
We are committed to delivering a safe, clean and seamless experience for passengers and urge travellers to be prepared with the latest travel information and give themselves time to enjoy their experience at YVR.
If you are travelling domestically or internationally for an essential reason, here are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
- Confirm travel details in advance. Days before your trip, confirm reservations with your airline, and determine baggage specifications and what your airline offers in the way of onboard service.
- Be prepared for the entry requirements of your destination. Most destinations have specific entry requirements and YVR encourages everyone to understand and be prepared before travelling.
- When packing, remember that restrictions continue to apply for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on baggage. These details and a complete list of items not permitted in carry-on baggage, including skis and snowboards, is available through the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) at catsa.gc.ca.
- Don’t wrap gifts before packing them into your carry-on or checked baggage. Their contents may need to be inspected during the screening process.
- Winter weather here in Metro Vancouver or in other parts of the country could impact flights, so be sure to check the status of your flight at yvr.ca before you leave home.
- Online check-in is available for most airlines serving YVR. Download your boarding pass or have it emailed to your handheld mobile device. You may be able to enter your vaccination information through online check-in as well.
- If you are driving to the airport, have a parking plan. Pre-book your YVR parking at yvr.ca/parking.
- Travel to YVR on the Canada Line is quick and efficient, delivering you to the terminal door in 30 minutes or less.
- If you are picking up friends or family at the airport, you can park short-term in our Parkade—or take advantage of 30-minutes of complimentary parking at our Cell Phone Waiting Area.
- Allow ample time to check in, clear security and board your flight. Factor in time for traffic congestion, parking, walking to the terminal and moving through current travel measures.
- If you’re returning to Canada, you must complete ArriveCAN. This includes entering pre-departure testing information and a quarantine plan. YVR also encourages travellers to pre-register for your arrivals test with LifeLabs.
- YVR has more than 160 shops, services and restaurants, including a number of new options such a lululemon pop-up featuring Team Canada Olympic gear located post-security for domestic travellers, and a new Joe & the Juice location, also post-security for U.S. travellers. For a complete list of food/beverage options visit yvr.ca.
- Check out YVR Food on the Fly. Your favourite YVR restaurant will package up a meal or snack to take with you on the flight.
- Forgot someone on your holiday giving list? YVR’s retail shops offer up an extensive array of gift options.
- Questions? Keep an eye out for YVR’s friendly group of Customer Care employees in blue jackets and Green Coat volunteers.
We support the Government of Canada’s safe, measured and risk-based approach to travel and tourism. We continue to work with our many partners to implement and expand ongoing measures so everyone can move through YVR safely and with confidence.
Earlier this year, YVR received the COVID-19 Airport Award of Excellence from Skytrax, the only airport in Canada to do so, for providing the highest health, hygiene and safety protocols during the pandemic.
Visit www.YVR.ca/ready or follow @YVRairport on Twitter for latest information on travelling through the airport.