Calgary, AB, 2016-Dec-14 — /Travel PR News/ — December is the busiest time of year at YYC Calgary International Airport, so if you are one of the thousands of passengers travelling during this period, here are some tips to help you navigate the airport during the holiday season. With YYC’s new International Terminal recently opening to the world, the expanded terminal building and new services means there’s even more to explore and enjoy when you travel through the airport this year.
Arrive Early at YYC
Leave plenty of time to get to the airport as there may be unpredictable weather and road conditions, in addition to increased passenger and baggage volumes.
Know where to go
YYC’s new International Terminal handles all U.S. and international-destined flights. All flights to Canadian destinations continue to operate out of the original terminal building. The new International Terminal is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal. Be sure to check yyc.com for details on the expanded facility and what’s new if you are travelling to the U.S. or internationally this holiday season. We have plenty of people to help you through your travels including our friendly new Curbside and Customer Care Ambassadors, and our iconic White Hat Volunteers.
Our new International Terminal operates with a Call-to-Gate boarding process, which is new to North America, but used in international airports around the world. If you’re travelling out of the new facility, this process will allow you to wait in the central seating area, which includes many shopping and dining locations, until it is time to board your flight. Flight Information Display screens in the central area provide updates, telling you when your flight is boarding and letting you know it’s time to move towards your gate. For more information on this system, watch the video here.
Find the Parking or Ground Transportation Option That Works Best for You
YYC offers a range of parking options for travellers. If you are heading to an international or U.S. destination, the most convenient parking option will be Parkade 2. Just follow the blue signs. If you are flying to a domestic destination, your closest parking option is Parkade 1 and you’ll want to follow the red signs.
And to help make your travel plans even smoother, YYC’s parking rate calculator and maps are available on yyc.com to help you find the best lot to match your parking needs. As December is YYC’s busiest time of year, parking spots do fill quickly, so you’ll want to leave some additional time to find parking when arriving at the airport. The good news is that we have a spot for everyone! YYC offers a variety of parking options and rates including an Economy Surface Lot. Visit yyc.com for more information.
Picking someone up at YYC over the holidays? Don’t forget to use the Cell Phone Park and Wait lot. The Cell Phone lot is located on the north side of Airport Road (just to the right as you enter YYC), before the parkade entrance—look for the purple and white signs. Arriving passengers will be able to collect their items, call their ride waiting in the Cell Phone lot and meet them at a designated area on the Arrivals Level. Fast, easy and free!
Looking for other option to get to and from the airport? There are a number of ground transportation options available including taxis, sedans, Calgary Transit, shuttle buses and transportation network companies.
Visit yyc.com for more information on these great transportation options.
Know what to pack and learn what to expect during the security process
Passenger and baggage security screening at airports in Canada is provided by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). For details on what you can pack, travel checklists and general information to help avoid delays during this important process, please go to www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca. Please note that it is recommended that gifts are not wrapped when going through security. YYC has a complimentary gift wrapping program available post security. More information is available on yyc.com.
Know your check-in options and arrival time information
Each airline sets its own recommended check-in time based on the destination. Be sure to check with your airline to find out when you need to arrive for your flight. You can use your airline’s web check in services to save time. Check-in as early as 24 hours prior to your departure, choose your seats and print your boarding passes in advance of your flight.
Check your airline’s website for more information.
Know your Baggage Allowances and Pet Policies
Each airline determines its own luggage allowance policies and may have special restrictions during the holiday season. Luggage restrictions can include weight, number of bags permitted, number of bags to be checked without charge, as well as size and number of carry-on items permitted on-board. It may also include restrictions on travelling with pets.
Please check with your airline for more information.
Check out Our Various Holiday Events and Entertainment
While visiting YYC over the holidays, check out one of the many festive events and special performances taking place throughout the airport and over 170 shopping and dining locations for you to enjoy or even pick up that last minute gift. With our expanded facility, the program has grown and offers visitors to YYC a variety of entertainment and activities throughout the holiday season.
- YYC’s Festival of Trees
- Located throughout the airport and decorated in a variety of themes by our very own YYC community.
- Photos with Santa
- Santa is visiting YYC and will be taking photos with children from December 16 to 17 from 11 am to 2 p.m. on the Departures level near Montana’s.
- Free Gift Wrapping
- Volunteers will be wrapping presents behind all security checkpoints from December 21 to 23.
- Story Time with Mrs. Claus
- Mrs. Claus will be also dropping into YYC to colour with kids of all ages in Concourses A and C on December 22 and 23.
- Choirs, quartets and bands
- More than 15 local musical performances including many from our second Holiday Music Program will be taking place from December 16 to 23 near International Arrivals.
So whether you’re dropping someone off or travelling to visit your family and friends this season, YYC will have a little something to help make your holidays even brighter. For the full event schedule go to www.yyc.com/festive
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 Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of Calgary International (YYC) and Springbank (YBW) Airports. YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, generating over $8 billion per annum in economic activity.
Media Relations:
The Calgary Airport Authority
Media line: 403 735 5899
Twitter: @FlyYYC
Source: Calgary Airport