Holiday Travel Tips 2025

Before you leave home, please remember:

• Make sure you have all the documentation required for your trip. Requirements can vary depending on whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, so you may want to confirm with your airline. Be sure to have valid (non-expired) government-issued photo identification for all flights.
• Note that the ID you use must exactly match the name on your ticket. If it does not, you will need to contact your airline to have your ticket re-issued in your legal name.
• All passengers including Canadian and U.S. citizens that do not have NEXUS, are required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the U.S.
• Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they are not accompanied by a parent or guardian. Confirm details with your airline or visit the Government of Canada Travel Website for more information about travelling with children. If you are not a Canadian or American citizen and you are travelling to the United States, please apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen travellers before travel into the United States. Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States.
• Airlines may be strictly enforcing baggage limitations. Please check with your airline to confirm your flight and verify that your luggage is within the size and weight restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage. Baggage fees may be applicable and collected upon check-in or at the gate.
• Curbside Assistance service is available for travellers with a disability or reduced mobility. If you require curbside assistance from the departures curb to check-in or, upon arrival from baggage claim to departures curb, assistance may be reserved through the airport Curbside Assistance Reservation.  For Departures, there is a Curbside Assistance area on the front curb with intercom where assistance can be immediately requested.  Please note: If you require assistance for your travel from check-in to the aircraft and from the aircraft to baggage arrivals – please ensure you book this in advance with your airline directly. If you forget, you can also request on the day of departure.
• If you are travelling with pets, confirm your airline’s seasonal pet policy because some airlines don’t accept pets for travel in checked baggage during the holiday season.
• Most major airlines offer passengers the option of saving time by checking-in for their flights online up to 24 hours before departure.
• Travelling with Cannabis?  Get the Facts.

• Did you know most airlines offer advance check-in to confirm your flight and seat? We always recommend that travellers take a moment to review their itinerary and double-check that their departure date and time are still correct before heading to the airport.
• Before leaving for the airport, we suggest checking with your airline to ensure your flight is still on schedule.
• Note: If you purchased your ticket directly from the airline, any flight delays or changes are typically sent to you by email or text. If your ticket was booked through a third-party website or purchased by someone else, please double-check your flight status so you’re not caught off guard by any updates. Unless the airline has your contact information, you may not receive these notifications.

• Give yourself extra time to drive to the airport, park, check your baggage, and clear security screening.
• If you are getting a ride to the terminal, please ensure the driver does not leave the vehicle unattended at the curb at any time. For safety and security, towing is in effect.
• If you are bringing your own vehicle, please note that YYJ does not accept parking reservations. If the main lot is full when you arrive, please follow parking signs and the direction of attendants.
• Electric vehicle charging stations are available in both short- and long-term lots.
• Short-term parking payment options: coin, debit, credit, and Apple Pay. (Receipts are not issued in the short-term lot at this time, if you require a receipt please proceed to the Red Coat Desk (in the terminal).)
• Long-term parking payment options: cash at the exit booth, debit, credit, Apple Pay or online via the PARKEDIN application.
• All parking lots use a lettering system to help you remember where you parked.
• TIP: Please turn off all lights, radios, and accessories that may drain your battery. Remember to lock your vehicle before leaving it.

YYJ has over 2,600 parking stalls available for public use. Should these fill, LAZ  Parking staff will be on-site to direct travellers to additional overflow areas. Please follow staff instructions when arriving.

Lot 2 Shuttle Service

A shuttle will operate between Lot 2 and the terminal from Friday, December 21, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. until January 6, 2026 at 1:00 a.m. The shuttle will accommodate passengers and luggage.

From January 7, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. to January 12, 2026 at 1:00 a.m., complimentary taxi service will be provided between the terminal and Lot 2. Taxi vouchers will be available at the Red Coat Desk or by calling 250-888-6470.

If you have any questions regarding holiday parking, please contact the LAZ Parking booth at 250-953-5807.

• It is recommended that during the holiday season you arrive a minimum of 2+ hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and pre-board security screening.
  Note: Airline check-in cut-off times are typically 45–60 minutes prior to departure, but this does not account for security screening, which may require additional time.
• Give yourself a little extra time so you can relax and enjoy the holiday airport services before your flight.
• Baggage carts are provided FREE of charge and are available on the curb as you enter the departures check-in area.

• If you are travelling with a smart bag or stroller, please remove the battery prior to check-in or boarding.

• When using self-serve check-in kiosks, remove any old baggage tags and ensure your new bag tags are securely attached. If you’re unsure, please ask a check-in agent for assistance.

• Use approved baggage/suitcases to help ensure a smooth travel experience.

• Always place an identification tag on your checked baggage.

• Since many bags look similar, add a distinctive marker (ribbon, tag, strap) so your bag stands out on the carousel.

• Take a photo of your baggage before checking it. This can help airlines locate it more quickly if it is delayed or misplaced.

• If you are travelling internationally, remember what you packed and be aware of destination border inspection rules, including restrictions on agriculture products and prohibited items.

• Any abandoned or unattended items will be treated as a security risk and may be confiscated or destroyed.

• For safety and security reasons, YYJ cannot offer storage services for passenger belongings.

Travellers are reminded to keep in mind security measures when preparing to travel. For the most current regulations regarding carry-on and checked baggage, please visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The following are some suggestions to help you move through pre-board security screening:

• The Security Checkpoint is very busy during our peak period.  Please give yourself ample time to be at Security. Our suggested minimum time is 75 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
• Anyone travelling with a NEXUS card may present it at the Security Checkpoint for expedited queuing and screening.
• Travellers are reminded to keep required security measures in mind when preparing for their trip. For the most current regulations regarding carry-on and checked baggage, please visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
• The following are some suggestions to help you move through pre-board security screening:
  • Pack you own bags and try to travel light.  If you are travelling with gifts, it is recommended that they be unwrapped or use gift bags.
  • If you are taking a wrapped item, it is best to place it in your checked baggage.
  • Keep valuables, medicine and other important items in your carry-on baggage.
  • Make sure you travel with government issued photo identification. (Note: Air Travel to U.S. requires a valid passport or NEXUS card.) Note – Victoria International Airport has a NEXUS line available to expedite your security screening time.
  • Remember to put identification tags inside baggage as well as outside in case your tag comes off.
  • Laptops, cell phones, and other electronics should have identification on them.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get through pre-board screening.
  • Leave empty baggage carts outside of the screening checkpoint.
  • Have your boarding pass a ready to present for verification when you get to the screening checkpoint.
  • Top items not permitted thru passenger security:  bullets, cat knives, brass knuckles, pepper or dog spray, knives.
  • Before you get to the bins, place your valuables (e.g. money clips, watches and passports) and other small items in a jacket pocket or inside your carry-on bag, instead of leaving them loose in the bin.
  • You control the order in which you place your items in the bins, so if you have something that you want to keep an eye on, you should place it in the last bin you send to the X-ray.
  • All liquids, aerosols and gels need to be in volumes of 100mL or less,  separated from your other belongings, and placed together in a clear, 1L resealable bag.
  • Knives longer than 6cm or knife-like sharp objects will not be permitted through pre-board screening. Ensure no sharp objects, such as scissors, are in your carry-on bag. Take time when packing and avoid bringing anything that could be interpreted as a weapon or a dangerous item.
  • Travellers bringing electronic equipment as carry-on baggage should be prepared to declare them and demonstrate that they are in working order.
  • Sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, ski poles, hockey sticks and golf clubs are not permitted as carry-on items and must be transported as checked baggage.
  • Bicycle storage boxes that contain other packed items or oversized checked luggage (kennels, large boxes) will require opening by the scanning x-ray operator at the self-serve baggage drop.  This will add up to 15-minutes to the process of dropping off your checked-baggage before you can proceed to the screening checkpoint.
  • NEVER joke or make “small talk” about bombs, firearms or other weapons while going through pre-board screening.  It is a criminal offense.
  • Avoid bringing non-permitted or dangerous goods by checking CATSA’s permitted and non-permitted items list . Get to boarding gate a little early if you have a wheelchair or stroller or require a little extra time to board.
• Once beyond the Security Checkpoint you can purchase food and beverage for the aircraft or fill your water bottle at one of the hydration stations located in the passenger departures lounge.
• Ask CATSA via Twitter @catsa_gc or Facebook.

• If travelling with a service animal, a Pet Relief washroom is located in the main floor washroom corridor of the lower passenger departures lounge.
• If travelling with your personal pet – please check with your airline first to ensure the animal is permitted on board. Some airlines do not allow pets into the cabin during the holiday season.

• Washrooms: Victoria International Airport provides modern and clean facilities including accessible, family and animal relief washrooms.
• Aircraft gates 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are all on the ground floor, Gates 3, 4 and 12, 13 are on located on the second floor of the passenger departures lounge.  Access the second floor by turning right just passed the Harbour Walk Shop retail store. Stairs, escalator and elevator are all options to access the second floor.
• Electronic Devices – we recommend you charge your phones, tablets and any other devices to ensure fully charged prior to boarding your flight.  Depending on which airline you are travelling, you may also want to download their onboard app for viewing digital content.
• From 05:00 to 20:00 daily, Spinnakers and Fresh Cup Café & Bar offer a variety of fresh food and drink options for your journey. Vending machines are also available throughout the terminal for snacks and beverages.
• Shopping:
  • Harbour Walk (now open until midnight daily) – has a variety of snacks, travel convenience items and gifts. Duty-Free is available for international travellers.
  • Last-minute gift ideas?
    Visit Victoria Distillers, makers of the renowned Empress 1908 Gin. Located post-security, it is the first active distillery in a Canadian airport. Enjoy a tasting, watch your bottle being dispensed, labelled, and sealed right on-site, and explore a selection of accessories and specialty items perfect for gifting.

• We kindly remind those picking up arriving passengers to please use our short-term parking lot. Our curbfront area has very limited space and is reserved for passengers with reduced mobility or mobility aid requirements.
• For safety and security, any unattended vehicles on the curb will be subject to towing.
• Baggage is usually delivered within the first 20 minutes after arrival. If your bag does not appear or is missing, please speak with an airline representative for assistance. Animals or fragile items are typically delivered at the end of the baggage process and placed on the side closest to where the luggage enters the carousel.
• Baggage Carts are provided FREE for passengers that may have a little more baggage/items to carry out to their transportation.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to speak with a Red Coat Volunteer at the Information Desk in Arrivals or one of our uniformed Security Officers.

Language services are also available upon request.

• If you lost or forgot an item on the plane, please see your airline.
• If you lost or misplaced an item while at the airport (most common locations:  check-in, food areas, security checkpoint, at the gate or in the washroom) – please reach out to a Security Officer or a Red Coat Volunteer or, submit a Lost and Found form.

• BC Transit: Click here for schedule information.
• Yellow Cab is available for taxi service: 250-381-2222
• Uber is now available to and from YYJ.