Frequently asked questions

When should I arrive at the airport?

If you are travelling within Canada or internationally, you should be at the airport at least two hours prior to the departure of your flight.

Is the airport terminal being cleaned/sanitized?

Airport cleaning staff are working hard to sanitize high-touch areas of the terminal. All common areas are sanitized frequently throughout the day. This includes: luggage carts, hand rails, counters, and wheelchairs to keep our passengers healthy. 

We've also implemented several safety measures to keep passengers healthy while travelling through YLW:

  • Increasing the sanitization of high-touch areas such as check-in kiosks, handrails and door handles, luggage carts and wheelchairs.
  • Adding more hand sanitizer stations.
  • Promoting everyday preventative behaviours such as handwashing and staying home if unwell with employees working at the airport.

Please do your part to reduce the spread of infection. Sanitize your hands upon entering and frequently throughout your time at the airport.

What shops and services are at YLW?

YLW offers passengers a number of shops, restaurants and services for your convenience. See the shops and services page for more information.

Are car rentals available?

Rental cars are available for pick up in the terminal. We suggest arranging and booking your car rental in advance to ensure you have a vehicle available for when you arrive. For more information about car rentals at YLW, visit our Transportation page.

Can I reserve a parking spot for my vehicle?

There is no reservation system for parking; however, with over 2,600 parking stalls you shouldn't have any trouble finding parking. 

YLW also has a Gold Pass program, for the lot directly in front of the terminal, and valet parking services. See the parking page for more information.

What can I bring in my carry-on and checked luggage?

Search the CATSA website to see which items to pack in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Do you have shuttle service from the long-term lot to the terminal?

Please call 250-765-5612 to arrange for courtesy shuttle pick-up.

Who do I contact if I need special assistance?

YLW is committed to helping passengers who face everyday challenges by removing barriers and offering additional services.

Passengers with special needs are welcome to contact YLW's Administration Office with any questions about the services or amenities listed below. We also encourage those who require special assistance to inform their airline of their specific needs.

Additional information about the screening process can be obtained from the Canadian Transportation Agency's website at cta-otc.gc.ca.

Accessibility

Throughout our airport, YLW strives to maintain a fully accessible facility. Amenities include:

  • Accessible parking stalls
  • Automatic doors
  • Covered loading bridges
  • Accessible washrooms
  • Mobilift®
  • Elevators and ramped walkways

Services

YLW also offers a variety service to assist passengers with physical challenges. 

  • Wheelchairs are available at the airline check-in desk or by request of an Airport Ambassador.
  • Security Escort Passes are available at the airline check-in counter. These temporary passes allow a family member or aid to escort a passenger, in need of special assistance, through security to their departure gate. Our specially trained Airport Ambassadors are also available to escort passengers with special needs through pre-board screening into the departures area.
  • Service animals can be relieved both before and after security. Before security in the designated landscaping to the right of the Arrivals doors at the centre of the terminal. After security at the designated area located at the washrooms across from the boarding gates. Please note: due to a local bylaw other pets are not allowed in the terminal, unless properly contained within their traveling cases.
  • Language assistance can be provided in most circumstances. Contact Airport Administration to inquire about employees or volunteers that speak various languages, including sign language.
  • Accessible ground transportation can be provided by many of our car rental agencies, taxi and shuttle companies; however, advanced booking is required. For a list of accommodating companies and their contact information, please visit our  transportation page.
Can I travel with cannabis?

Despite the fact that cannabis is legal in Canada, it is illegal now and will remain illegal to transport cannabis across Canada's national and international borders.

It is the responsibility of those passing through YLW to understand and adhere to all applicable local, provincial, federal and international regulations regarding the carriage and possession of cannabis. Transporting cannabis across international borders is illegal. You could be subject to criminal charges if you try to travel to other countries with any amount of cannabis in your possession. 

If you are entering Canada and you have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

For more information, visit the Government of Canada website or CATSA for information about travelling with recreational or medical cannabis.

Can I travel with a bicycle?

Yes, all bikes being must be packed in a bike box or bag and be checked as oversized baggage. Please ensure your bag/box can be opened for inspection. All bikes need to be hand searched by security.

Contact your airline directly for information on height and weight restrictions for travelling with a bike.

Where are the smoking areas located?

YLW is committed to providing a safe, secure and healthy airport experience for everyone. We provide a smoke and vape-free environment inside the airport—at all times and for all substances—and have designated smoking and vaping areas outside the terminal building for public use. 

There are two smoking areas located at YLW. A covered smoking area with seating is located at the south end of the terminal building, near the Valet Parking lot.

An alternate smoking area is located at the north end of the terminal, outside of the arrivals area.

View a map of the terminal

What kind of identification do I need?

ID requirements can vary depending on whether you are travelling domestically or internationally so you please check with your airline. Be sure to have valid government issued photo identification for all flights. All passengers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, are required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.

If you are not a Canadian or American and you are travelling to the United States, please apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen travellers before they are allowed to travel into the U.S.

Are there special requirements for children?

Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they are travelling without a parent or guardian. Confirm details with your airline or visit the Government of Canada Travel website at travel.gc.ca for more information about travelling with children.

I am flying with my pet – what should I know?

Requirements for travelling with a pet can vary, depending on the airline. For specific questions about travelling with a pet in the cabin or as cargo, please contact your airline directly.

At YLW, a relieving area for pets care accessible both before and after security. Before security in the designated landscaping to the right of the Arrivals doors at the centre of the terminal. After security at the designated area located at the washrooms across from the boarding gates. 

YLW is a pet-friendly facility, but pets must be under the control of the owner using a leash, harness or carrier. 

My flight is delayed or cancelled because of weather – who do I call?

Please check the status of your flight on your airline's website or contact your airline directly for more information about delays or rebooking.

If the flight has been cancelled, do not come to the airport but instead rebook from home. If the flight is delayed but scheduled to operate, check the status of the flight and leave plenty of time to check in.

My luggage didn't arrive at the airport - what do I do?

Please contact your airline directly for questions regarding delayed baggage.

Air Canada
1-888-689-2247

Alaska Airlines
1-877-815-8253

Pacific Coastal Airlines
604-214-2360

Central Mountain Air
1-888-865-8585

Flair Airlines
204-285-0844

Air North, Yukon's Airline
1-800-661-0407 ext. 778

Sunwing
1-844-853-3751

WestJet
1-866-666-6224

Lynx
FlyLynx.com

Canadian North
CanadianNorth.com

KF Aeroflyer
KFAeroflyer.com

North Cariboo Air
866-359-6222

Does YLW have an Airport Improvement Fee?

There is a $25 Airport Improvement Fee at YLW for each departing (non-connecting) passenger.

This fee is collected by the airlines on behalf of YLW when your ticket is purchased. For further details concerning this fee, contact the Airport Administration office at 250-807-4300.

Is there luggage storage available at the airport?

At this time, YLW does not have luggage storage facilities.

Can I fly a drone near the airport?

YLW is a no-drone zone. 

Drone and personal aircraft usage laws are strictly monitored and enforced at YLW. These laws help us ensure that we keep people and aircraft safe—at all times. 

As of June 1, 2019, new Transport Canada regulations apply to all remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operating in Canadian airspace. For more information about drone authorization and filming, visit our Drones & Filming page.