The holiday season is a busy time of year for travel and passengers can expect to see the airport busier than usual. We encourage you to follow our top travel tips to help navigate your airport journey with confidence and ease.
Be Organized
Ensure you have all your required travel documents (and that they haven’t expired) well before your trip.
Airlines have varying size limits for their carry-on bags, so make sure your bag(s) meets their guidelines before your trip.
Visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s website to confirm what items are permitted to be packed in your carry-on. Note: If you’re travelling with gifts, leave them unwrapped, as the contents may need to be inspected.
Check-In Ahead of Time
Save time and check-in online up to 24 hours before your flight through your airline’s website or app. Don’t forget to download and/or print your boarding pass before leaving home! If you’re only bringing carry-on luggage and don’t require assistance, this will allow you to head directly to security when you arrive at the airport.
In-person check-in is available at the airport by visiting the designated counters for your airline.
Arrive Early
Be sure to give yourself lots of time to get to the airport safely! Before leaving home, check the status of your flight as well as local road conditions.
We recommend contacting your airline directly for the latest information about your flight and check-in requirements. We also suggest arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, particularly if you check your bags.
Bonus Tip: Arriving early will allow you to enjoy our Sounds of the Season performances, or get to your gate with enough time to find the perfect last-minute gift for your loved ones at our unique retail shops.
Streamline Security Screening
Book your spot in domestic/international security screening up to 48 hours in advance using our free online reservation service, YHZ Express.
Travellers who have undergone extensive background checks (Nexus card holders, Global Entry, Military, Police, Air Crew, etc.) can streamline their security screening through CATSA’s Verified Traveller program, available during peak hours, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, the checkpoint offers front-of-the-line service. Verified travellers are also permitted to leave items in their carry-on and on their person.
Be sure to have your ID and travel information readily available, and keep your electronics and liquids in an easily accessible location for security screening!
Park Like a Pro
We are pleased to offer various parking options at the airport. Park at the terminal in the covered parkade or exterior lot or park a short distance away at the Park’N Fly lot, which offers regular, complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. Learn more here.
Bonus Tip: Take a picture of your parking space and nearby identifiers to help you find it again when you return.
Dress for Comfort
Dressing in layers at the airport is practical and comfortable. We recommend wearing reliable footwear and clothes with some stretch. If you’re waiting for a connecting flight, explore the terminal to incorporate movement into your journey to reduce potential discomfort.
Bonus Tip: A supportive neck pillow and cozy blanket can increase your comfort both in the airport and on the airplane.
Bonus Tip 2: Pack a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated by using our complimentary water bottle refill stations, located at the washrooms before and after security.
Passenger Drop Off/Pick Up
The curbside area for Departures and Arrivals is only to be used for on-time drop-off or pick-up. However, hourly parking is available on level P1 of our parkade. Look for the “Hourly Parking” signs and follow the directions. The maximum vehicle height is 86 inches.
Save Time at the Boarder
Prepare your customs and immigration declaration for the Canada Border Services
If you are travelling to the U.S., the hours of operation for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance is 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All passengers must be processed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection by 4:30 p.m., regardless of your flight time.
Reserve Your Rental Car
If you plan to book a rental car while visiting Nova Scotia this holiday season, a list of rental car companies offering services at the airport can be found on our website. We recommend booking ahead of time for your trip.
Be Kind
Most importantly, be patient, respectful and kind. Our Tartan Team volunteers, stationed throughout the terminal building, can assist you with any questions you may have.
Sun Destinations
If you’re considering heading south for the holidays, visit our non-stop flights page and explore sun destinations like Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Florida, Jamaica and Mexico!