Travel Tips

From arriving at Halifax Stanfield to boarding your flight, we recommend following our top travel tips to help get you on your way and enjoy the journey.

Pack Appropriately

• 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.

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.

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.

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.
• Note: Starting Monday, March 3, customers will no longer be able to access the airport parking facilities using MACPASS Plus. This change is being implemented in preparation for the removal of tolls from the Halifax Harbour bridges, starting April 1. Plan ahead and review other payment options here.

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!

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.
• The Standby Lot (also known as a cell phone lot) offers a free waiting area for drivers coming to the airport to pick up arriving passengers. The lot is conveniently located next to Tim Hortons at 311 Bell Blvd. Drivers are encouraged to wait at the Standby Lot until their passengers have collected their bags and have contacted them that they are ready to be picked up at the terminal. Learn more here.

Save Time at the Border

• 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 volunteers, stationed throughout the terminal building, can assist you with any questions you may have.

Note: If you’re flying with children, visit our webpage with travel tips dedicated to families.