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Tips to help you enjoy your time at the airport
A trip to the airport can be easy and enjoyable — all it takes is some planning and preparation. Get your trip off on the right foot and come prepared to enjoy all that Calgary International Airport (YYC) has to offer.
Chris Miles, VP of Operations, shares his top 10 things to know about navigating YYC with ease.
1. Know where to find assistance
The Customer Care Ambassadors are there to help you and ensure a positive experience at YYC. These friendly ambassadors are available to help during the customs process and at the domestic arrivals Information centre near Door 7 — look for their purple scarves and ties. The ambassadors are fluent in English with 10 other languages spoken among the group, including French, Tagalog, Cantonese, Mandarin and Ukrainian. The ambassadors can help with wayfinding and problem-solving. If you don’t see an ambassador at the Information centre, pick up the phone at the desk to connect to one.
You’re going to see Customer Care Ambassadors everywhere throughout the airport, and their sole function is to provide a great guest experience.
Travellers can also get assistance from YYC’s White Hat Volunteers, a program that’s been part of YYC for nearly 30 years. Watch for their red vests (and sometimes their signature white cowboy hats). These friendly volunteers welcome guests to the airport and lend a helping hand wherever they can.
“It’s been a long-standing program, and we’re very proud of the work they do,” Miles says.
It’s best to connect with your airline for help with check-in, baggage or wheelchair assistance from check-in to gate.
2. Review the airport’s accessibility
YYC is equipped to provide an accessible airport experience for all. Miles suggests visiting their website prior to arriving to familiarize yourself with the options available. YYC’s recently launched a partnership with the world-renowned Sunflower Program, which works with airline carriers to help identify people with hidden disabilities who may require more assistance. Sunflower lanyards and pins can be picked up at Information, located on the Arrivals level beside Door 9.
3. Arrive at the airport early
Miles suggests arriving at the airport at least two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. This leaves enough time for check-in (if you haven’t done so with your airline prior to arriving at YYC), baggage drop-off and security screening.
4. Prepare in advance for security screening and Canada customs
Going through security doesn’t need to be a stressful or time-consuming experience. Miles suggests reviewing the CATSA website prior to packing your carry-on luggage to ensure you understand which items are allowed, the restrictions on liquids, removing electronics prior to screening and not wrapping gifts.
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.
5. Take advantage of YYC Express
YYC was the first airport in Canada to introduce a virtual queueing platform, which can help guests avoid long wait times. The program, YYC Express, allows you to book your spot at security up to 72 hours prior to your flight’s departure.
“You show a barcode that’s provided with your booking and go straight to the front of the lineup,” Miles says. “That provides guests with a certain amount of ease, knowing when they’re going through security.”
6. Plan your trip to and from the airport
Taxis, shuttle buses, ride-share apps and Calgary Transit can get you to and from YYC. You can also arrange a pick-up from the airport in one of the designated zones — between doors four and seven for domestic arrivals and doors 16 and 17 for international arrivals. YYC also offers a Cell Phone waiting lot just off Airport Trail, where your ride can wait free of charge and head to a pick-up zone when you’re ready. Visit the YYC website for the most up-to-date information about ground transportation services, including shuttles to Banff.
7. Make a parking plan
If you decide to drive to the airport, Miles suggests booking parking in advance for better deal and to help ensure your spot — particularly for the covered parkade near the terminal. There are also plenty of options nearby if the parkade is at capacity, such as the Economy or Overheight lots. Each lot offers a variety of pricing options to suit different budgets and needs. And there are staff members onsite who can help you out if you return to a dead car battery.
8. Enjoy restaurants, lounges and shopping
There are a variety of restaurants and shops within the terminal — Miles’ favourite is Vin Room, Canada’s largest wine bar, located in Concourse D and available to international and domestic travellers. He also recommends the LB Taphouse from Last Best Brewing & Distilling.
“That’s serving a great menu as well as local beer flavours,” he says. “Calgary’s got a vibrant brewing scene and that’s reflected in their offerings.”
New additions to the lineup include Deville (a local coffee concept) and Chachi’s. You can also kick back in one of YYC’s four world-class lounges or book a stay at one of the airport hotels — such as the in-terminal Marriott or the Delta Hotel — to make your commute to the airport that much faster.
9. Meet the Pre-Board Pals and know your pet options
YYC has some furry friends who can help calm anxious travellers and lift the spirits of anyone at the airport. The Pre-Board Pals program includes 21 dogs and two cats that frequent the terminal at peak times (Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.).
“It’s my favourite thing at the airport,” Miles says. “It puts a smile on every traveller’s face — young to old.”
If you are travelling with a pet or service animal, there are animal relief areas post-security in concourses B, D and E, providing convenient options that don’t require leaving the terminal.
There are also outdoor pet relief areas outside of doors 1 and 17 on the Arrivals Level.
10. See some photo-worthy spots at YYC
There are beautiful photo ops throughout YYC, particularly the connection corridor between Concourses B and C.
“You look out over the airfield, over the city of Calgary, and when it’s a clear day you get the Canadian Rockies in the background,” Miles says. “That’s a vantage point that’s unique in the world.”
Guests in Concourse E are also treated to beautiful views and unique architecture. There’s also a one-of-a-kind mural between Concourses C and D/E created in collaboration with Coca-Cola. The newer terminal building also features artwork from Cree artists Stewart Steinhauer and Jason Carter.
