Seasonal Travel Tips

Courtesy of Edmonton International Airport

No matter which airport you’re using this holiday season, the following tips will ensure that you arrive at your destination quickly and easily.
-reprinted with permission from the Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton International Airport (EIA) has been Canada’s fastest-growing major airport for the last three years and the holiday season marks one of the airport’s busiest times of the year. With the travel rush now on, follow this travel checklist to ensure you get on your way quickly and easily.

Before leaving home, please remember the following:

• On-time departure: Ensure your flight is on time before departing for the airport. Weather can impact flight schedules at this time of year, whether it’s at EIA or your final destination. We always encourage people to make use of one of our 50 non-stop destinations to ensure a smooth arrival as things can go awry with connections.
• Web check-in: Most major airlines offer customers the time-saving online option to check in for flights and select seats up to 24 hours before departure. You may also arrange for extra baggage online. Confirm your schedule with your airline by phone or online. You can also access real-time flight information and web check-in services at www.flyeia.com.
• Documentation: Ensure that you have packed all documentation required to travel. Requirements vary depending on whether you are travelling within Canada or to another country. Regardless, bring government-issued photo ID for all flights. All passengers, including Canadian and US citizens, are required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card to the United States Customs and Border Protection agent at the US pre-clearance centre at EIA when travelling to the US. Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they aren’t accompanied by their parents/guardians. Confirm details with your airline.
• Luggage and pets: Verify with your airline that your luggage is within specified size and weight restrictions, and clarify any questions you have regarding restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. If you’re travelling with pets, remember to ask about their pet policy.
• Parking: EIA will have ample room for all parking customers during the holiday season. As Christmas approaches, signs and traffic coordinators will guide customers to parking locations via Airport Road.
  
  To assist with moving through security screening efficiently, please consider the following guidelines:
  
  
• Pack your own bags. Travel light; this will help you move through security screening quickly.
• If you’re unsure about an item you wish to take through security, please check with security personnel before entering pre-board screening.
• Do not bring wrapped packages. We’d hate to ruin your neatly tied bows and perfect folds, so be sure to wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination.
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted through security screening at Canadian airports provided the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less, and that the containers fit comfortably in a single clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). You will need to take this bag out of your carry-on luggage for pre-board screening personnel.
• Knives 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 dangerous item.
• Travellers bringing electronic equipment as carry-on must be prepared to show it to our pre-board screening personnel and, if required, demonstrate that the items are in working order.
• Sports equipment such as skates, skis, snowboards, ski poles, hockey sticks and golf clubs are not permitted as carry-on items and must be transported as checked baggage.
• For the most up-to-date regulations governing carry-on and checked luggage, check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s (CATSA) permitted and non-permitted items list at www.catsa.ca.
  
  Finally, arrive early to ensure you depart on time. Due to increased passenger volumes throughout the holiday season, we recommend customers arrive at the airport earlier than the usual airline-recommended time. Recommended times vary from one hour in advance of departure time for domestic flights, to three hours ahead of departure for some international flights.
  
  Once you’re checked in and through security, you can relax and check out EIA’s food, beverage and retail offerings which have more than doubled in the last two years. Now you’re ready to go, helping us deliver on our award-winning 'we’ll move you' brand promise. On behalf of everyone at EIA, here’s wishing you a festive and safe holiday season.