Santa’s travel plans have nothing on EIA this holiday season
With more services and speed, EIA makes holiday travel easy
Edmonton, Alta. — To help ensure customers get to where they need to go as quickly and conveniently as possible, and to spread a little holiday-season cheer, Edmonton International Airport (EIA) will offer more of what you need to fly this holiday season.
Seasonal entertainment and services
In addition to two Kidzworld play areas, a special Santa’s Storyland with comfortable chairs, floor mats, books, DVDs and activities for kids will help entertain children and families in the south terminal departures lounge from Dec. 3 — Jan. 5.
To help families with young children and others who need assistance, two “Santa’s Sleigh” golf carts — decorated in holiday-season style — will shuttle travellers between departures gates during peak travel periods.
During the holiday season, seasonal decorations and live entertainment will create a festive, holiday-season atmosphere throughout the airport terminal.
More restaurants
The range of food and beverage options available to EIA customers continues to grow. In the past year, EIA added two new Starbucks, a second Tim Hortons and the brand-new, full-service Mountain Lodge Bar & Grill. In addition, Sbarro Restaurant, Jasper Bar & Grill and Montana’s Front Porch all underwent renovations and/or expansions. And there’s more to come. In the new year, a full-service Chili’s will open in the south terminal passenger lounge and Wok Box will add Asian-style flair to the food and beverage options available in the north terminal passenger lounge.
More parking
EIA added 1,000 parkade stalls to its parking operations in August and will add another 2,700 stalls in a temporary discount parking lot opening Dec. 15. EIA offers more parking per capita than any other major airport in Canada and will have ample room for all parking customers during the holiday season. The rate in the discount parking lot is $7 per day/$35 per week with shuttle bus service to the terminal. Regular parking rates, which are posted at www.flyeia.com, apply to all other parking services.
More speed
Pay & Go Parking – To save time, parking customers now can pre-pay for Value Park and Parkade by using one of four Pay & Go parking pay stations in the airport terminal. For a quicker exit leaving the lot, five express lanes are available for Pay & Go customers and those paying by credit card.
Web check-in – Check in from your home, hotel or office computer, and print off your boarding pass, or send it to your PDA, before you leave for the airport. Once you arrive, simply drop off your bags or head straight to security clearance when flying with carry-on luggage. Visit your airline’s website for this service, or go to flyeia.com for convenient links to airline websites.
Self-serve check-in – Check in faster and avoid line ups using one of our 28 self-serve kiosks located in the airport with access to most airlines. Check in your baggage, change seat selections, and print boarding passes. The kiosks are free, easy to use, and take only about 60 seconds per transaction.
More perks
Flying from your Edmonton International Airport has its perks. Choose to fly from EIA using one of our 50 non-stop destinations and take advantage of our great travel rewards. It’s our way of putting a little more perk in your winter travel plans. For details, and to sign up, go to www.flyeia.com/rewards.
Preparing to travel
The winter holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year at EIA. To help ensure 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.
Before leaving home, please remember the following:
• Ensure that you have packed all documentation required to travel. Requirements vary depending on whether you are travelling within Canada or to another country. Regardless, bring government-issued photo ID for all flights.
• Please note that all passengers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, are required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.
• Specific documentation may be required for children under 18, especially if they aren’t accompanied by their parents/guardians. Confirm details with your airline.
• Check with 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.
• Most major airlines offer customers the option to save time by checking-in for their flights online up to 24 hours before departure.
• You can access web check-in services and check your real-time flight information status at www.flyeia.com.
Arrive early, depart on time!
EIA recommends that due to increased passenger volumes throughout the holiday season, customers arrive at the airport at least 15 minutes earlier than the usual airline-recommended time. Recommended times vary from one hour in advance of departure time for domestic flights, to three hours ahead of departure for some international flights. Check with your airline to see what they suggest.
Dropping off/picking up passengers
Curbside meters are available; however, availability will be limited during the holiday season and the maximum time allowed is 20 minutes per vehicle. The hourly level of Parkade provides added flexibility and convenience for well-wishers.
Security screening
Customers are advised to keep in mind 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:
• 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 check with security.
• 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, such as 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.
• Travellers bringing electronic equipment as carry-on must be prepared to declare them, and if required, demonstrate that they are in working order.
• Sports equipment such as skates, skis, snowboards, ski poles, hockey sticks and golf clubs are not permitted as carry-on items and must be transported as checked baggage.
• Avoid bringing non-permitted or dangerous goods by checking CATSA’s permitted and non-permitted items list at: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/whatcanIbring
EIA 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.
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Media Contact:
Jim Rudolph, Manager, Corporate Communications
Edmonton International Airport
Phone: (780) 890-8454
Cell: (780) 717-5117
E-mail: jrudolph@flyeia.com
Web: www.flyeia.com