NEWS RELEASE
December 14, 2011
YQQ Prepares for Busy Holiday Travel Season
The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is advising travelers to plan ahead in anticipation of the upcoming holiday travel season.
"We are expecting to see a significant increase in terminal traffic beginning around the third week in December and continuing until a few days after the New Year," said YQQ CEO Shirley de Silva. "Our busiest days will likely be December 20 and January 3. We are preparing to process up to 1,350 passengers daily throughout the holidays."
YQQ is gearing up for the increased traffic by assigning additional staff and volunteers during peak hours. The airport is also engaging in regular communication with its tenants about terminal hours of operation and changing flight schedules.
De Silva says the airport is anticipating up to 2,700 people per day moving throughout the terminal building over the holidays. This includes guests who are dropping off or picking up passengers.
YQQ is providing the following tips for its passengers to help improve their holiday travel experience:
- Check out YQQ's holiday hours
- Arrive to the airport early
- Plan for parking
- Investigate check-in options.
- Know your baggage requirements
- Help keep the security line moving
- Transport gifts appropriately
- Be patient
"The holidays are a wonderful and exciting time for YQQ," said de Silva. "We see thousands of inbound and outbound passengers who are visiting family, receiving visitors or departing to a special sunspot destination. With the right amount of preparation, travel over the holiday season can be an enjoyable experience for all."
Information regarding terminal hours, parking and links to all YQQ airlines are available on the Comox Valley Airport website at: www.comoxairport.com. The Canadian Air Transport Security website also has helpful packing, travel and security tips at: catsa.gc.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
December 14, 2011
YQQ Holiday Season Travel Tips
- Check out YQQ's holiday hours - The terminal building is open daily from 5am to 11pm with the following exceptions:
December 24 - 5am to 8pm, 10:15pm to 1am
December 25 - 5am to 9pm
December 26 - 5am to 1am
December 31 - 5am to 1am
January 1 - 5am to 9pm
- Arrive to the airport early - Check with your airline to determine what time you should arrive to the airport and give yourself some additional time if necessary. This will ensure that passengers have plenty of time to check-in and make their way through security without feeling rushed.
- Plan for parking - There are ample parking spaces available at YQQ, but please be aware that our lot can fill up during the busiest travel days. Phone ahead to ensure there are spaces available and have a back-up option just in case. Once parked, don't forget to purchase a ticket! Parking rates are posted on the YQQ website at: comoxairport.com.
- Investigate check-in options - Check with your airline to determine if there are options for web, kiosk or mobile phone check in to help save time when you arrive at the airport.
- Know your baggage requirements - Check with your airline to ensure that you have the latest information about baggage restrictions. Be prepared if any extra charges may apply to you. If you have any items that you are unsure about, call your airline prior to arriving at the airport so that you can avoid any unnecessary delays while checking in for your flight.
- Help keep the security line moving - Ensure that all personal toiletry items such as liquids, aerosols and gels are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less. The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag, with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. One plastic bag per person is allowed and must be removed from carry-on baggage. Visit the Canadian Air Transport Security website at: catsa.gc.ca for packing, travel and security screening tips.
- Transport gifts appropriately - Keep all gifts (whether packed in your carry-on or suitcase) unwrapped until you arrive at your destination point.
- Be patient - Expect that the airport will be busy and lineups may be longer than usual. Maintaining good cheer and having respect for YQQ's staff, volunteers, tenants and other passengers will help to ensure an enjoyable holiday travel experience for all.
Media Contact:
Christianne Wile
Comox Valley Airport
Phone: 250-890-0829 ext. 253
Cell: 250-218-2249
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