Counting the days until your summer vacation begins? With summer being one of the busiest times of the year for airports, we've put together a list of five tips to help you make the transition to YQB as smooth as possible, and ensure your vacation is relaxing from A to Z.
1. Check in online
Save time at the airport by checking in online. You can check in up to 24 hours before your departure on your airline’s website or mobile app. That way, you’ll only need to check any baggage once you arrive.
2. Check your flight status
With airports becoming busier and busier during summer, don't forget to check the status of your flight a few days before departure, and again on the same day. Your airline is the best source of real-time flight status information! You can download the mobile application of the airline you're traveling with to find out more about your flight and any changes to your scheduled departure time.
3. Arrive prepared!
Follow these tips to save time once you get to the airport.
Prepay for parking without any cancellation fees
Don’t wait until the last minute and prepay for a parking space in one of our two parking areas. YQB offers great rates when you prepay for your parking. If your plans change, you can cancel or modify your transaction at no additional cost up to two hours before you arrive at the airport.
For other transport options, check out our blog post on 6 ways to get to YQB.
Make sure you have your documents
If you try to go abroad without a passport, you may run into some problems! Several documents are essential when travelling. Learn more by reading our blog post on 7 essential travel documents to bring everything you need at the airport.
Get a pass to the V.I.P Lounge by Club Med
The V.I.P Lounge by Club Med is accessible to all passengers who buy a pass directly or go through our partners. You can get a pass in advance on our website. Check out our FAQ on the V.I.P Lounge by Club Med for more information.
Access to the lounge includes a light menu as well as a selection of hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages. With its fireplace and comfortable armchairs, the V.I.P Lounge by Club Med is a cozy place to relax before your flight.
4. Be patient
Arrive early
YQB and its partners are expecting a busy Summer season. That’s why we advise you to follow your airline’s recommendations and arrive two to three hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time, depending on when check-in counters open.
Our partners’ counters usually open at the following times:
- Air Canada: two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Air France : four (4) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Air Inuit: one and a half (1.5) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Air Transat: four (4) hours before the scheduled departure time
- American Airlines: two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Flair Airlines : three (3) hours before the scheduled departure time
- PAL Airlines: two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Pascan: one and a half (1.5) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Porter: two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time
- Sunwing: three (3) hours before the scheduled departure time
- United Airlines: two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time
Please note that airlines close their counters at least one hour before departure. Furthermore, airline check-in counter hours vary and are subject to change at any time.
Expect lines
More people will be travelling during this summer, which means there will be more lines at check in counters, security checkpoints, and restaurants.
Save time by making sure your bags are in order before you leave. You’ll have an easier time at the airport. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website is there for you. It has all the information you need on what you can pack in your checked and carry-on baggage. It even has tips for getting through security smoothly!
If you need information on the number and size of the bags you can bring, check your airline’s website.
5. Enjoy your wait before taking off
Don’t worry about arriving too early. It’s just a good way to start your vacation sooner! There are plenty of fun things you can do once you’ve made it through security: relaxing in a massage chair, grabbing a bite to eat, or sitting by the fireplace in the V.I.P Lounge by Club Med. Get some inspiration from our article on 5 ways to enjoy your wait at YQB.
There are stores, restaurants, rest areas, and even massage chairs to enjoy in the terminal. Visit our website to see the directory and opening hours. Looking to make your wait even more enjoyable? Get a pass to the V.I.P Lounge by Club Med. Buy your pass here.
We wish you all a great vacation!