Santa prepares for his holiday travels and you should too

Edmonton — This holiday season is expected to be the busiest ever at Edmonton International Airport (EIA). To help ensure that your travel plans run as smoothly as Santa’s, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time and arrive at the airport a little bit earlier. Here are some key travel tips.

Preparing to travel

Before leaving home, please remember the following:

• Ensure that you have packed all documentation required to travel. Documentation requirements vary depending on whether you are travelling within Canada or to another country. Regardless, bring photo ID for all flights.
• Please note that as of Jan. 23, 2007, all passengers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, will be required to present a valid passport when travelling by air between Canada and the United States. Edmonton Airports strongly recommends that customers who do not hold a valid passport apply for new passports well in advance of travel plans.
• Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they aren’t accompanied by their parents/guardians. Confirm details with your airline.
• Call your airline to confirm your flight, verify that your luggage is within the size and weight restrictions, and clarify any questions you have regarding restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. If you are travelling with pets, remember to ask about their pet policy too.
• Air Canada/Jazz and WestJet customers can save time by checking in for their flight before leaving for the airport. Both airlines offer an online check-in service available 24 hours prior to departure.
• You can check your real-time flight information status at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. 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 holiday season, you arrive at the airport 30 minutes earlier because of increased passenger volumes.

Airline check-in recommendations:

• Air Canada/Jazz: 90 minutes for domestic; 2.5 hours for international and transborder (U.S.), including international passengers transferring in Calgary
• Air North: 1 hour ahead of departure
• Air Transat: 3 hours ahead of departure
• Canadian North: 1.5 hours ahead of departure
• Central Mountain Air: 1 hour ahead of departure
• Delta Airlines: 2.5 hours ahead of departure
• First Air: 90 minutes hour ahead of departure
• Harmony Airways: 3 hours ahead of departure
• Horizon/Alaskan Air: 2 hours ahead of departure
• Integra Air: 45 minutes ahead of departure
• Northwest Airlines: 2 hours ahead of departure
• Northwestern Air Lease: 90 minutes to 2 hours ahead of departure (minimum 45 minutes)
• Peace Air: 1 hour ahead of departure
• Skyservice: 3 hours ahead of departure
• United Airlines: 2.5 hours ahead of departure
• U.S. Airways: 3 hours ahead of departure (minimum 2 hours)
• WestJet: 90 minutes for domestic; 3 hours for U.S. departures

Edmonton Airports estimates passenger traffic will increase up to 40 per cent this holiday season with peak times being a few days before Christmas, and a few days before and after New Year’s Day. Overall, passenger traffic is expected to peak at approximately 17,000 passengers per day compared with 12,500 passengers travelling through EIA on an average 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.

Parking while away

Edmonton Airports has several parking options available to passengers. The recently expanded Value Park offers long-term economical parking with shuttle bus service. Parkade Park is adjacent to the terminal and can be accessed via covered pedways.

Jingle and shop

For last-minute Christmas shopping, take advantage of Edmonton Airports “Jingle Bucks.” 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 another purchase at participating outlets. With an array of shopping and dining options, it’s easy to find the perfect gifts or relax at one of our many restaurants. Jingle Bucks runs from Dec. 8, 2006 — Jan. 2, 2007 while quantities last.

Security screening

Customers are advised to keep in mind enhanced security measures when preparing to travel. For the most up-to-date regulations governing carry-on and checked luggage, check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at www.catsa.ca. To assist with efficiently moving through security screening, please consider the following guidelines:

• Check with your airline to determine carry-on limits. Some carriers permit one carry-on item and one personal item, such as a purse. Some carriers allow two carry-on items.
• Pack your own bags. Travel light; this will help you move through security screening quickly.
• If you are unsure about an item you wish to take through security, please declare the item to security screeners.
• Do not bring wrapped packages. Wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination.
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted through security screening at Canadian airports provided that 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 one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). One bag per passenger is permitted.

Knives or knife-like sharp objects will not be permitted through pre-board screening. Ensure no sharp objects like scissors are 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 and trade tools. See www.catsa.ca for an abbreviated list of items that are prohibited on board an aircraft.

Electronic equipment

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, CD and MP3 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 at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..

Other sources of information for travellers

You can contact us by calling (780) 890-8382 or (800) 268-7134. Travel agents are also a good source of advice and can provide you with travel options.

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 joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Edmonton Airports’ vision is: To be the North’s preferred gateway to the World, and the World’s preferred gateway to the North.