Local airports prepare for flurries, busiest days of holiday travel

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s not just one of the busiest travel days of the holiday hustle at Vancouver International Airport, but more flurries are on the way to the Lower Mainland.

Tens of thousands of passengers are expected through the terminal every day from now until the New Year, and that doesn’t include people dropping off or picking up passenger’s.

“If you’re driving out to the airport give yourself lots of extra time on the road, or if possible use the Canada Line,” Alana Lawrence with the Vancouver Airport Authority advises.

She says you had also better check your flight before you head out because of possible snow.

“The weather may be OK here but across Canada we may see snow fall that are affecting flights both coming in and departing.”

Lawrence says checking-in online at home means you’ll also have one less line to stand in at the airport. And with Christmas just days away, be mindful of what you take on board.

“One that I like to remind everyone about is pack your wrapped gifts into your checked luggage. If not, their contents might need to be inspected when you go through the security screening process.”

Make sure you also know what you are and aren’t allowed to take with you on the plane, and airport staff also suggest you know what to do with special baggage like skis and snowboards. You’re urged to leave yourself enough time to clear security and board your flight, and also factor in the time it’ll take you to maneuver through traffic, the parking lot and terminal.

If you’re flying out of the Valley, staff at Abbotsford International Airport say they’re also ready  in case the flurries fly, but they don’t anticipate any big problems.

“It’s a busy period coming for all airports, and you know Christmas time is a busy period,” says Parm Sidhu, General Manager at YXX. “We encourage everyone to check the airlines’ websites for on-time performance. At the airport here, we know it snowed yesterday, it’s all clear. We have staff and equipment ready and willing to respond as required.”

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