And Other Christmas Travel Tips and Promotions

Preparing to travel

When preparing for a flight, please remember the following:

• Ensure that you are aware and have packed all documentation required to travel. Documentation requirements are different depending on whether you are travelling within Canada or to another country. Regardless, bring photo ID for all flights;
• If you are making arrangements for children under the age of 18, there may be specific documentation required, particularly if the minor is travelling without both parents/guardians; confirm travel details with your airline. Airline contact information is available on the airline listings page.
• Call your airline to: confirm your flight, confirm that your luggage is within the size and weight restrictions, and ask your airline to clarify any questions you have regarding restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage;
• You can check your real-time flight information status on Edmonton Airports homepage by clicking on the "Current Flight Info" button.

Reporting to the Airport

Listed below are airline guidelines for reporting to Edmonton International Airport. However, Edmonton Airports recommends that throughout the Christmas season, you arrive at the airport 15 minutes earlier; the Christmas season always means greater traffic volumes.

Airline Check-In Recommendations:

• Air Canada/Jazz: 30 minutes for Rapidair; 1 hour for domestic
• Air North: 1 hour ahead of flight departure
• Air Transat: 4 hours ahead of flight departure
• America West Airlines: 2 hours ahead of flight departure
• Canadian North: 1 hour ahead of flight departure
• Central Mountain Air_ 1 hour ahead of flight departure
• Continental Airlines: 2 hours ahead of flight departure
• First Air: 1 hour ahead of flight departure
• Horizon/Alaskan Air: 2 hours ahead of flight departure
• Jetsgo: 1 hour ahead of flight departure
• Northwest Airlines: 75 minutes ahead of flight departure
• Northwestern Air Lease: 75 minutes ahead of flight departure
• Skyservice: 3 hours ahead of flight departure
• United Airlines: 90 minutes ahead of flight departure
• WestJet: 1 hour for domestic departures and 3 hours for U.S. departures

Edmonton Airports estimates that this Christmas season will bring an increase of up to 40% in passenger traffic with peak times being a few days before Christmas and a few days following New Year’s day. Overall, we expect passenger traffic to peak at approximately 14,000 passengers compared to 10,000 passengers travelling through EIA on a normal winter day.

Dropping off/picking up passengers:

Curbside meters are available, however, availability will be limited during the holiday rush and the maximum time allowed is 20 minutes per vehicle. The hourly level of the Parkade provides added flexibility and convenience for well wishers.

Where to park while away:

Edmonton Airports has three levels of parking service available to passengers. Value Park is a long-term economical parking lot with shuttle bus service, Parkade Park is adjacent to the terminal and can be accessed via covered pedways, and Valet Park is a premium curbside service on the departures level. The Valet Park office recently moved to a new location south of WestJet check-in.

All Edmonton Airport parking facilities offer free plug-ins, battery boosts and a coat check service for anyone heading to a sunny destination. Parkade Park and Value Park offer reduced weekly rates for those travelling for longer periods. Parking rates for all three products can be viewed on the homepage or on the Value Park page.

Shop and You Will Receive:

Travellers shopping at the airport December 13 - 26 can take advantage of the “Shop and You Will Receive” promotion. Customers receive a $1 Jingle Buck for every $10 spent at participating food and retail outlets during the holiday season. Each Jingle Buck can be used towards a future purchase as select outlets. No need to worry about your Christmas shopping. Edmonton International Airport offers plenty of retail services to accomodate your last minute shopping needs.

Security Screening at the Airport:

To assist with efficient processing through security screening, please consider the following guidelines:
• Check with your airline to determine their carry-on limits. Some carriers permit one carry-on item and one personal item such as a purse on-board the aircraft. Some carriers allow two carry-on items.
• Pack your own bags. Travel light; this will assist with getting you through security screening quickly, and will assist the travellers in line behind you.
• If you are unsure of an item you are taking through security, please declare the item; do not let security screeners “discover” an item that may be questionable.
• Do not bring wrapped packages. Wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination.

Knives or knife-like sharp objects will not be permitted through pre-boarding screening. Ensure there are no sharp objects like scissors in your carry-on bag. Take time when packing, and avoid bringing anything that could be interpreted as a weapon or a dangerous item.

Examples of items NOT permitted through security include:

Flammable liquids, golf clubs, hockey sticks, knives or knife-like objects, liquids in unmarked bottles, large quantities of matches, paint, pepper spray, straight razors, toy weapons, trade tools. See www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca for an abbreviated list of items that are prohibited on board an aircraft.

Electronic equipment:

Those travellers bringing electronic equipment as carry-on must be prepared to declare them, and if required, demonstrate that they are in working order. These include radios, radio cassette players, personal stereos, compact disc players, laptop computers, electronic games, calculators, portable telephones, pagers, cameras, video cameras, children's battery operated toys, etc. Electronic devices, such as portable computers, cellular phones and CD players, may be screened using special screening equipment. This procedure will not harm your electronic devices.

Packing for your trip:

For more information from Transport Canada and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, please visit the Packing for your trip page.

Other Sources of Information for Travellers:

You can contact us by calling 890-8382 or 1-800-268-7134. Travel Agents are also a good source of advice and can provide you with travel options.

Finally, Edmonton International Airport is committed to complying with all government directives to provide a safe and secure trip for all travellers. We wish you a peaceful holiday season.