Vancouver airport encounters its busiest travel day of the season
YVR says it expects around 83,000 passengers will pass through the airport Thursday
It's the peak of the holiday season at Vancouver International Airport, where Thursday is expected to be YVR's busiest travel day of the year.
Up to 83,000 passengers are flying in and out every day during the holidays, says YVR media relations, but Thursday is expected to be the busiest travel day.
- Delays expected as record number of Canadians expected at country's big airports
- New rules on powder products, electronics at YVR this holiday season
The six busiest days are Dec. 21 and 22 — when kids typically get out of school — Boxing Day, Dec. 28 and 29, and Jan. 1, when people are coming back for work and school, said Reg Krake, YVR director of customer care.
Passengers should take extra time to get to the airport and check with their airlines on the status and timing of their flights, Krake said.
"Really, leave yourself an extra hour, right from home for all the normal things you expect to do, including checking in online at home ... Also, leave time to get there on the roads, for parking, for check-in, getting through security and getting to your gate," Krake said.
Winter weather may also throw a wrench in people's travel plans, with Environment Canada forecasting flurries for several days in the coming week.
On Tuesday, because of wet, heavy snow, flights were delayed throughout the day while planes underwent de-icing.
Even if weather isn't an issue in Vancouver, weather conditions in other parts of the country could affect flights.
There is a bright side to arriving early to the airport though. Krake says up until Dec. 24 there will be entertainment throughout the airport, including a pianist and appearances from Santa, and gift wrapping post-security.
Cory Correia