Summer is the peak season for travel at Halifax Stanfield. With many new and returning air services, and a surge in passenger activity, travellers can expect to see the airport busier than usual.
From arriving for your flight to enjoying the view at 30,000 feet, we recommend following our top travel tips to help you enjoy every moment of your journey.
What travel documents will I need to bring to the airport?
Make sure you have all your required travel documents with you – and that they aren’t expired – well in advance of your trip. This includes your passport/ID, airline reservations, bag specifications and any other necessary records or paperwork. If you are flying internationally, remember to check the travel document requirements of the country you are visiting.
What can I bring in my bag?
Information on what is permitted through security for both checked baggage and carry-on bags can be found on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at catsa.gc.ca. To find out the number of carry-on bags you are permitted to bring, as well as the size and weight limits for your carry-on or checked baggage, check with your airline directly.
What time do I need to arrive at the airport for my flight?
We recommend contacting your airline directly for their recommended airport arrival time. You can also contact them for information about checking in. In general, we suggest arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This will allow sufficient time for safe arrival, parking, check-in, security screening, and enjoying the amenities in the main terminal and departure area.
How can I check-in for my flight?
You have two convenient options for checking in:
- Online Check-In: Check-in with your airline up to 24 hours before your flight. Save time by checking in online or on your airline’s app. Download and print your boarding pass before leaving home.
- In-person Check-In: Check-in at the airport by visiting our self-serve kiosks or the designated counters for your airline.
Remember to check your airline’s guidelines for carry-on bag size and other restrictions before arriving at the airport. If you are checking a bag, review your airline’s baggage instructions, and make sure it’s easily distinguishable and meets the weight and size limitations. The baggage drop-off area is located behind the check-in counters.
Where can I park my vehicle while I’m travelling?
There is a high demand for airport parking during peak season and parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Depending on the duration of your trip, we have various parking options available:
- Accessible Parking: We offer designated, accessible priority parking on all levels of the parkade and in the exterior lot, ensuring easy access to the terminal facilities.
- Parkade Daily: Ideal for those parking for more than 24 hours, available on levels P1, P2, P3, and P4. Follow the “Daily Parking” signs upon approaching the Parkade. The maximum vehicle height is 86 inches.
- Terminal Exterior Lot: Located a short walk from the terminal building, this open-air lot is conveniently located for those travelling for any length of time. Look for the “Exterior” parking signs upon entering the parking area. There is no maximum vehicle height for the Exterior Lot.
- Park’N Fly: An affordable, long-term parking option at 668 Barnes Drive, just minutes away from the terminal building. Park’N Fly provides a free, accessible 24/7 shuttle service to and from the terminal.
How can I expedite my journey through airport security?
Many of Canada’s larger airports offer streamlined security screening processes to enhance the efficiency of your travel experience. Travellers at Halifax Stanfield can benefit from YHZ Express powered by CLEAR, and CATSA’s Verified Traveller program.
YHZ Express is a free online reservation service where travellers can book their spot in our domestic/international security screening line. Bookable up to 48 hours ahead of your flight’s scheduled departure time and for up to five persons travelling together. Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily. Please note this service is not available for direct flights to the U.S. through our U.S. preclearance facility.
The Verified Traveller program provides travellers who have undergone extensive background checks a streamlined experience at security screening. Verified Traveller is 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.
Those who qualify as Verified Travellers include cardholders or members of the following groups:
- Nexus
- Global Entry
- Military
- Air crew / Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) holders
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) / Police
How can I stay updated on my flight status?
Download your airline’s app on your smartphone or electronic device to receive real-time updates, ensuring you stay informed about any changes to your flight schedule or gate information throughout your travel journey. Many airlines also show flight status information on their website, and you can find this information on our website at halifaxstanfield.ca or on display screens throughout the terminal building.
What should I do before I board my flight?
First, check the flight information display screens throughout our departures area to confirm your gate and its location. If you have time before your flight, feel free to enjoy the many amenities available, including a variety of dining and shopping options.
What food and beverage options are available at the airport?
Halifax Stanfield offers a variety of food and beverage options for different tastes.
Before security, travellers can enjoy:
Quick bites:
- Hudson, A&W, Subway, Tim Hortons, Connected Coffee, and Crispy Leaf, ALTcetera (ALT Hotel)
Restaurant options:
- The Fine Company Gastropub and Sosta Pizzeria (Alt Hotel).
After security, choices expand to include:
Quick bites:
- Booster Juice, Connected Coffee, and Tim Hortons.
Restaurant options:
- Firkin & Flyer, La Cocina Mexicana, and The Pizza Box.
For U.S. departures, snacks are available at JJ’s Snack Bar and Hudson.
Explore all the options here.
“Keep an eye out for the black suitcase.” – nearly everyone.
How can I quickly find my luggage at baggage claim?
A great way to spot your bag and breeze through arrivals is by adding colourful tags/ straps or choosing a vibrant bag altogether! Hudson and Little Blue House have great options for you to choose from before your next trip!
What do I need to know when flying into Canada?
Preparing your customs and immigration declaration for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can now be done in advance and will simplify your arrival experience. Use Advance CBSA Declaration within ArriveCAN the next time you fly.
What do I need to know when flying into the United States?
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.
Check-in for U.S. travel is on the 2nd floor of the terminal building, above the Arrivals area. Once you check-in and check your bags, you will go through security screening and then U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
All passengers must be processed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection by 4:30 p.m., regardless of your flight time. Even if your flight is delayed you must be checked in and processed through U.S. preclearance by 4:30 p.m.
Once cleared, go to the U.S. Departure gates.
How should I manage passenger drop-offs/pick-ups or visits to the airport?
The curbside area for Departures and Arrivals is only to be used for on-time drop-off or pick-up.
While curbside, please be respectful of others who are also looking for space to drop off or pick up a passenger. Do not wait at the curb for more than 10 minutes or leave your vehicle unattended.
For short-term parking needs (less than 24 hours), use the Parkade Hourly section of our parkade. This area is located on level P1. Look for the “Hourly Parking” signs and follow the directions. The maximum vehicle height is 86 inches.
Please follow the instructions as directed by our traffic staff who are there to help keep the curb safe, efficient, and available for those who need it.
Who can I ask if I have questions?
Our airport is the home base of a very special volunteer group, the Tartan Team. These warm, helpful, folks provide world-renowned airport customer service. You’ll find our friendly ambassadors stationed throughout the terminal building and at our information counter.
Pro-Tip:
Promote eco-friendliness by filling up your reusable water bottle at any of our complimentary water stations that are located at washrooms before and after security, reducing single-use plastic waste and encouraging sustainable habits while travelling.