Calgary airport out with travel tips ahead of anticipated busy season

YYC Calgary International Airport is expected to see a record-breaking number of travelers through its gates this summer and is out with some tips for flyers to make their trip as smooth as possible.

Last year, 62,700 daily passengers went through YYC. An all-time high of 64,000 passengers are expected to visit the airport daily in July and August, YYC says. During the pandemic, there were 57,700 daily passengers.

The airport authority says there are several features YYC guests can take care of, like the online reservation system to book parking in advance, an online reservation platform that allows travelers to book their spot in the security line ahead of time, plenty of shopping and dining options, Kids Zones and quiet spaces for families to decompress, and White Hat volunteers to help travelers find their way around.

Travelers are also advised to plan in advance by checking with their airline for the most up-to-date information, arrive early to allow extra time for check-in, baggage, and screening. YYC says those taking a domestic flight should arrive two hours before departure and those taking an international flight should arrive three hours before departure.

To make getting through security faster, YYC offers the following tips:

• 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.

Those coming back to Canada from abroad, should prepare for their arrival by having the right travel documentation prepared, declaring all goods bought abroad, and being informed about what items aren’t allowed to cross the border, including cannabis.

Travelers flying into YYC can save time with Advance Declaration which lets travelers to make their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before their arrival.

An app called the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) can also be used for those going to the U.S. as a way to experience shorter wait times and efficient processing.

Travelers are are advised to visit yyc.com ahead of their flight for everything they need to know about flying into or out of Calgary International.