While it’s exciting to plan a trip, the real fun begins when you get to the airport. Air travel is unpredictable, but there are ways to reduce stress and make it as painless and routine as possible. These airport habits will save you time, money, and your sanity.
1. Pack Smart
- Check and carry-on luggage must meet weight and size restrictions. Pack items that meet the security requirements of carry-on luggage and items restricted, such as liquids.
- Consult the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for restrictions on liquids and other items.
- Keep your gifts unwrapped in either checked baggage or carry-on luggage so that airport security can easily inspect them. You can pack paper gift bags to use for wrapping gifts when you arrive at your destination.
- Find more packing tips on our blog, How to Pack like an Expert.
2. Check your travel documents
- Make sure your passport, other forms of identification, and any entry visas you may need are up to date and valid weeks or months before you travel.
- Your passport, tickets, and visa requirements should be kept in a pocket that is easily accessible in your purse or carry-on.
3. Tag and protect your luggage
- Remove the old tags. Label your carry-ons and checked bags both inside and outside.
- Differentiate your luggage from others. Use a luggage bag (available at most retailers) or attach an attractive ribbon to your luggage.
- Lost or delayed luggage can cost travellers extra time and money. Baggage coverage, such as the BCAA Trip Protection Package, can cover your luggage in transit while also protecting your personal belongings and currency from loss or theft. You’ll also be covered if your luggage is delayed for a long time, as well as items like clothing, toiletries, and other personal necessities.
4. Prepare your mobile phone
- Download your airline’s app to receive alerts about flight delays and gate changes. By receiving alerts immediately, you can save time.
- Bring your headphones and download the app before you fly.
- Bring your charger and your fully charged phone.
- Screenshot your boarding card. If you’ve received your boarding card via email or text, take a screenshot. It will be saved along with your other photos. This can be helpful if you accidentally deleted the email or text or if airport Wi-Fi isn’t strong enough.
5. Arrive extra early at the airport
- Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than the recommended time, whether you are travelling domestically or internationally. Arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight will give you enough time to check in, go through security, and handle any changes.
- After you have cleared security, find your departure gate immediately before heading to the airport shops or restaurants. Often, a boarding door is located far from the security checkpoint.
6. Airport time crunch points: Be stealthy
Parking
- If you are planning to park your car at the airport, it is best to reserve parking. BCAA members can save money on airport parking in Vancouver at Park YVR or Park’N Fly.
- Avoid parking by using public transportation. You can take Evo Car Share from YVR to the airport, which is hassle-free. As a BCAA member, you will receive 10% off each Evo trip.
Check-in
- Use your airline’s online check-in option to avoid standing in long lines. You can check in from the comfort of your home using your phone.
- Online check-in is available as soon as the airline makes it available, usually 24 hours prior to your departure.
Security Checkpoint
- Avoid wearing clothing, shoes or other accessories that could trigger an inspection. Choose outerwear that is easy to remove (even for children).
- Ensure that items that need to be separated in a bin, such as the transparent plastic bag containing any liquids or a laptop and gaming equipment, can be easily removed from your carry-on bag.
- If you want to avoid having to search through your bag for the item that set off the scanner, put it in one pocket.
- Coins, keys, mobile phones, PDAs, belts, jewellery, and watches can all trigger the scanner.
