Connecting Through YVR

Connecting through YVR is simple, whether you are travelling within Canada, to the United States, or to an International destination. Connection procedures vary depending on whether your baggage is checked through to your final destination. To ensure a smooth transfer, please confirm your baggage status and connection requirements with your airline before arriving at YVR.

Check Your Baggage Status

If your bags are through-checked

(e.g., your airline participates in the Connections Program and your itinerary is on one ticket), your baggage will be automatically transferred to your next flight. You do not need to claim your bags. Simply follow the connections signage to clear any required customs or security screening, then proceed directly to your departure gate.

If your bags are not through-checked

(e.g., you booked separate tickets or your airline does not participate in the Connections Program), you must follow the standard arrivals flow. Proceed through Canada Customs on Level 2 (if arriving from outside Canada), claim your baggage, exit the arrivals area, and proceed to Departures on Level 3 to check in for your next flight.

Find Your Connection Path

Connecting from within Canada

If you are arriving from a Canadian city and your bags are through-checked to your next flight, you do not need to collect your luggage.

From Canada to a Canada Departure (ABC Gates): Upon deplaning, check the flight information screens for your gate and proceed directly to your next flight's departure gate.
From Canada to an International Departure (D Gates): Follow overhead signage for "International Connections." Prior to entering the International section of the terminal, you will scan your next flight's boarding pass at an electronic gate to enter the D Gates/International Departures Area.
From Canada to a USA Departure (E Gates): Follow overhead signage for "USA Connections." You will scan your USA departure boarding pass at an electronic gate, proceed through pre-board screening, and clear U.S. Customs at the preclearance facility before proceeding to your departure gate.

If your bags are not through-checked, please ensure that you reclaim the luggage from the Canada Arrivals baggage claim area prior to proceeding to check-in and security prior to your next departure.

Connecting from an International or USA Origin

If you are arriving from outside Canada with through-checked bags and are eligible for the Connections Program, follow the connections signage on Level 4. Keep all boarding passes and passports ready as you may be subject to security screening.

Note: Passengers requiring new Canadian study or work permits must instead follow the signage to International Arrivals Level 2 for immigration processing.

From an International Origin to a Canadian Departure (ABC Gates): Follow signs for "Canada Connections." You will scan your next flight's boarding pass at an electronic gate, complete your customs declaration at a kiosk to clear Canada Customs and, depending on your origin country, you may be required to process through security screening on Arrivals Level 4, before accessing the ABC departure gates on Level 3.
From an International Origin to an International Departure (D Gates): Follow signs for "International Connections" on Level 4. You will scan your next flight's boarding pass at an electronic gate for connection validation. Depending on your origin country, you may be subject to additional security screening prior to proceeding to the D Gates on Level 3.
From an International (Non-USA) Origin to a USA Departure (E Gates): Follow signs for "USA Connections" on Level 4. You will scan your next flight's boarding pass at an electronic gate, descend to Level 3, go through pre-board security screening and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, before proceeding to the E Gates.

If your bags are not through-checked, or are otherwise ineligible for the Connections Program, please follow signage to International Arrivals Level 2 for customs clearance, baggage reclaim, and airport security prior to your next departure.

Important Exceptions & Reminders

South Terminal Connections: If you arrived at the main terminal and your next flight departs from the South Terminal (or you are arriving from the South Terminal and connecting to the main terminal), you must claim all checked bags. Follow signs for the free "Courtesy Shuttle" on the departures level to change terminals.
- If you have a Canada-to-Canada connection with through-checked luggage both arriving and departing from the South Terminal, you will not need to collect your luggage.
Pets and Firearms: Passengers travelling with pets in the cabin/cargo or with firearms may not be eligible to use certain connections facilities. Please confirm the process with your airline check-in staff.
Facility Hours: Connection facility operating hours are subject to change. If the facility is closed upon your arrival, please follow the signs to arrivals or follow the directions of terminal staff.