Fort McMurray, AB – December 2, 2014 – As the holiday season approaches, Fort McMurray International Airport is preparing for one of the busiest times of year for air travel. Passengers can enjoy a relaxed trip by following these guidelines for smooth holiday flights.
Arrive at the airport early
The best way to have a calm holiday trip is to allow yourself plenty of time. Airlines will provide guidelines on minimum arrival times for domestic and international flights, but you’ll save yourself stress by arriving earlier than required. Come early to enjoy the amenities of the new terminal:
pre-security shops & restaurants
§ Burger King
§ Chocolates & Candlelight
§ Elements
§ Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
§ Mary Brown’s
§ Nicholby’s Convenience
§ Subway
post-security shops & restaurants
§ Best Buy Express
§ Earls Kitchen + Bar
§ Jugo Juice
§ Nicholby’s Convenience
§ Starbucks
Have a parking plan
There are plenty of parking spaces available at our new terminal (and every single stall is powered), but parking can fill up quickly on the busiest travel days. It may take you longer than usual to find a spot, so allow extra time to find a space, and to walk from the lot into the terminal building. For more information, visit http://www.flyymm.com/getting-around/parking.
Explore your check-in options
You can save time by checking in and printing your boarding passes at home. When you arrive at the terminal, you can head straight to the bag drop line (or straight to the security line, if you don’t have any checked bags).
Know your baggage requirements
Baggage policies for carry-on bags have recently changed: be sure to check with your airline to find out if any additional charges may apply to your checked or carry-on bags.
Air Canada http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage
Sunwing http://blog.sunwing.ca/travel-tips-2/baggage-allowance
WestJet http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/baggage
Bring ID for everyone
Make sure that you have the required identification and travel documentation for everyone on your reservation, including children and infants. If you’re travelling internationally, other countries may have different entrance requirements: determine all documents required before your trip. Be sure that your passport is in good condition. Guests travelling with a passport that is damaged in any way could face significant delays, and may be denied boarding on flights. Check with your airline to make sure that you have all the identification required for your journey.
Air Canada http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/traveldoc.html
Sunwing http://blog.sunwing.ca/destinations/travel-documents-checklist
WestJet http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/identification.shtml
Keep your presents unwrapped
Any wrapped presents should be placed in your checked bags. Airport security may need to unwrap presents located in your carry-on bag during the screening process, causing delays for you and your fellow travellers.
Indulge responsibly in festive cheer
Remember to consume alcohol in moderation while waiting for your flight. Canadian aviation regulations prohibit airlines from allowing a traveller to board an aircraft when they are intoxicated and may be a hazard to the aircraft or to those on board. Don’t ruin your holiday trip by being denied boarding on your flight.
Confirm your airline’s seasonal pet policy
Some airlines don’t accept pets for travel in checked baggage during the holiday rush. Check with your airline to determine their policy, and to see if your small animal is eligible to travel in the cabin of the aircraft.
Air Canada http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/pets.html
WestJet http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/special-arrangements/pets.shtml
Safe travels and happy holidays!
About Fort McMurray International Airport
Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Canada’s fifteenth busiest airport, YMM is the fastest growing airport in Canada with a passenger growth rate of 14% in 2014. YMM will serve over 1.3 million passengers in 2014.
Media Contact
Joanne Barnes
Communications Coordinator, Fort McMurray Airport Authority
780-793-7544
joanne.barnes@flyymm.com