Tips for Travelling with Children at YVR

If you’re heading to an international destination, you’ll need a valid passport for every individual boarding the flight—babies included.

Even if you’re travelling within Canada, it’s a good idea for everyone to have their own identification. If you’re bringing a lap-held infant under the age of two, you may need to show proof of age or else purchase a ticket for them.

Wondering what documents are required if only one parent is travelling, or whether you need a consent letter for international travel? Check specific ID requirements with your airline and review the Government of Canada’s guidelines on travel documents for children to make sure you have everything you need.

Book parking online in advance to get the best price and secure your spot. Make parking completely stress-free with Gateway Valet—just pull over curbside in their dropoff zone outside the Departures area, hand your keys to Gateway Valet staff, and head straight into the terminal.

Check real-time conditions at the airport, including security wait times, on YVR’s Operational Snapshot page.

Consider booking a one-night stay at Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Arrive the night before and enjoy quality time together at one of the top-ranked airport hotels in North America. On travel day, there’s no early morning traffic or last-minute packing—just wake up and fly.

If your child feels anxious about flying, consider creating a simple visual checklist outlining each step of the journey, from parking to boarding, so they know exactly what to expect.

Many airlines allow passengers travelling with small children to bring additional luggage such as car seats and strollers. Find details about your allowances on your airline’s website. Free baggage carts are available to help you move through the terminal before the security checkpoints. And remember, you can bring a stroller through security and check it at the gate.

If you’re travelling with children under two years old, liquids such as baby food, milk, water, and juice are permitted in quantities over 100 mL when passing through the security checkpoints. Read an overview of what families can bring through airport security here. Check the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority website for more detailed information and ensure you have these items easily accessible to retrieve for separate scanning.

Travelling with a child who has an invisible disability? Pick up a sunflower lanyard from any of YVR’s Information Counters to discreetly indicate to staff that the wearer may need a little extra patience, care, and assistance during their travel experience.

Find sunscreen, bug spray, chargers, headphones, water bottles, sanitizing wipes, medicines, and more at convenience stores and newsstands throughout the terminal. Diapers and wipes are available before security at the Pharmasave on Level 1. Keep kids entertained with toys, books, and activities from spots like Cascadia Collection, the Vancouver Aquarium shop, and Virgin Books.

Leave time for a pre-flight meal and start your journey with full stomachs at one of YVR’s family-friendly restaurants. Kids five and under eat free* at Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s Globe@YVR. Kids menus are also available at White Spot, Hangar 49, and Vino Volo.

*Children aged five and under eat free when ordering from the kids’ menu and dining with an adult who orders an entrée from the regular menu. Children aged six to 12 can either order from the kids’ menu at regular price or enjoy half portions from the regular menu at 50% off.

Before the seatbelt sign turns on, give kids time to stretch their legs. Children’s play areas are located near Gates B14, C46, D53, D59, and E81.

Build your kids’ confidence by giving them a role or a ‘job’ at the airport. Put them in charge of finding the gate number, keeping track of time, or helping spot signage. This helps keep them engaged throughout the journey.

Thanks to family travel expert Ashley Kizito (@TheAshleyRhapsody) for this great suggestion!

Have some extra time before your flight? There’s plenty to see and do around the terminal, including free toddler-friendly spots.

• Pre-security: Check out the Public Observation Area above the Domestic Terminal food court for telescopes, maps, and great views of the airfield and beyond.
• Post-security: Discover local marine life at the free 114,000-litre aquarium located in the International Terminal. It’s home to more than 5,000 creatures from sea urchins to wolf eels.
• Post-security: Get a breath of fresh air in the atrium near Gate D67 (International Terminal). Enjoy an immersive display incorporating video projections and real audio of local species in the wild, then step outside to experience them for yourself.
• Terminal-wide: Tour YVR’s iconic art collection. Hundreds of pieces of original art can be found around the terminal, including many works from local First Nations artists. You can even turn it into a mini scavenger hunt, picking a favourite piece before you head to your gate.

• Changing tables are located in all washrooms.
• Nursing rooms and pods can be found near Gates B28, C41, D67, E77, and before security near the U.S. Departures area.
• The Lost and Found is located at U.S. Departures Level 3, across from check-in counter 280, beside the Nursery.
• Quiet Spaces ideal for travellers with sensory sensitivities are found near Gates B28/C40, D67, D71, and E85.