Ten Things to Know About Edmonton International Airport

How to navigate the airport quickly and enjoy your time there

A trip to the airport doesn't need to be stressful. With some planning, you can make it an easy, efficient experience that will start your trip off on the right foot.

The Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is one of three major airports in Alberta, located in the province's capital city. More than 50 non-stop destinations depart from there, and the bustling travel hub has plenty to offer visitors.

Steve Maybee, VP Operations, Infrastructure, and Communications, who has been with the airport for more than 30 years, shares his top 10 things to know about navigating YEG.

1. Leave lots of time to get there

Maybee suggests monitoring your flight status, checking in at least 24 hours before departure, and arriving early — at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

Maybee cautions travellers to factor road conditions into their trip to the airport. But he notes poor road conditions won't necessarily result in a delayed flight, because the airfield is highly maintained.

"The airfield is maintained to a much higher level than any road system," he says. "So, the roads might be slow or closed or having problems, but the airport is still running on time.

2. Plan your transportation to the airport

YEG is located just outside Edmonton, but there are numerous options to get there. You can drive, rent a car, or take a taxi or Uber. Or use Edmonton Transit and look for route 747 from Century Park LRT.

3. Know where to park

You can take advantage of the airport's valet service, or park in short- or long-term options like JetSet Parking and Value Park or the Easy Parkade directly across from the terminal. Maybee advises mapping out your options prior to arrival to know how far each one is from the main terminal and reserve a spot, if required. If you are getting picked up at YEG, your ride can wait in the cell phone lot and head over to the designated pickup spot when it's time to meet up rather than paying for parking.

4. Use YEG Park Assist

There's also help available if you arrive to find a dead car battery or a flat tire.

"We have YEG Park Assist," Maybee says. "If you go out to your vehicle and it won't start because of cold weather, we can boost your engine or fill up your tires. It's free and available 24/7."

5. Leave unnecessary items at the airport

If you're travelling to a warm destination in the winter and taking a round trip back to YEG, you don't need to haul all that warm gear with you. Maybee suggests using the complimentary coat check service available through Express Valet, Easy Parkade, Value Park, and JetSet Parking. If you aren't parking a vehicle at the airport, you can still access the coat check for $2 per item, per day.

6. Book your spot at security with YEG Express

Airports across Canada offer an option to pre-book your spot in line at security, including YEG Express. Maybee says the service is always expanding and they can be booked up to 72 hours in advance.

"It helps remove another stressor and helps prevent people from having to line up with other people all the time," Maybee adds.

7. Prepare in advance for security screening and Canada customs

Maybee advises thoroughly reviewing the CATSA website before packing your carry-on bags to understand the list of approved items. Save time in security by remembering to remove laptops and place them in the bins provided, remove jackets (and shoes, if required), have your boarding pass ready, and separate all liquids, gels, and aerosols from other items.

If you’re flying into Canada, download and fill out your customs and immigration information in the ArriveCAN app up to three days before your flight. Providing this information in advance, instead of upon your arrival at the airport, will allow you to access the Advance Canada Border Services Agency Declaration express lane — fast-tracking your Alberta adventures.

8. Don't miss out on shopping and dining

There are more than 50 shops and restaurants at YEG. But there's also no shortage of shopping and dining near the airport — like the Premium Outlet Collection or Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. Maybee recommends visiting new options like Sevens at 49 and Upper Crust.

9. The airport is for everyone

"The airport is really doing a lot around making sure we're an airport for everybody," Maybee says. This means going beyond providing accessibility options for folks with a visible disability. YEG has partnered with the world-renowned Sunflower Program, which helps alert staff to travellers who have a hidden disability and may require extra assistance.

YEG also has an ongoing partnership with the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta to provide therapy animals to calm nervous travellers or anyone who needs some extra support. And visually impaired travellers can use the AIRA Visual Interpreting app to navigate the facilities.

"They can log in through their phones and then they're guided through the terminal by someone on the other end, usually using their camera phone," Maybee says.

10. Don't miss the arts and entertainment

YEG offers a live music program that ranges from local solo talent to school choirs singing carols during the holidays. And the newly opened Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre was designed in consultation with Elders to create a meaningful place to share art and information about Indigenous cultures.

"The space we created isn't just a store that sells arts and crafts," Maybee says. "We call it an interpretive centre because there's actually an explanation and connection to culture."