YVR urges travellers to prepare for busy May long weekend

It’s expected to be a busy May long weekend across B.C. for travellers.

Amid lengthy delays at airports across the country, people who are planning on catching a flight this weekend are urged to arrive at Vancouver International Airport early.

YVR is expecting this to be the busiest long weekend since the pandemic started. Officials are reminding travellers to show up early for their flights and to budget extra time.

“Typically with security screening, the goal is to get 85 per cent of passengers through within 15 minutes. So that’s the goal. But right now, because of some staffing shortages and things like that, we are seeing those times increase. And so that’s why we’re asking folks to come that much earlier just so they’re prepared,” said Alyssa Smith, director of communications, Vancouver Airport Authority.

The airport could welcome up to 50,000 passengers per day through the weekend. Smith says people should try to show up at least two hours early for domestic flights — about an hour earlier than what’s typically recommended by the federal government — and three hours early for an international flight.

“It’s our best advice and best recommendation based on what we’re seeing,” she explained.

BC Ferries adds sailings ahead of busy May long

BC Ferries is also anticipating additional volume this Victoria Day long weekend. In an effort to get ahead of the crowds, it’s added 110 extra sailings ahead of the weekend, 70 of which are between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, the busiest route.

Anyone without a reservation can expect sailing waits, BC Ferries warns, adding travellers are encouraged to carpool or walk on if possible.

“All the weekends in the summer time are busy at the BC Ferries and we are expecting that to return this weekend. There is a lot of pent-up demand out there that customers haven’t been able to travel for a while,” explained Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs, BC Ferries.

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Related article: 

• BC Ferries adds sailings, staff for May long weekend

• Canada working to address airport, travel delays: transport minister

• Canada travel numbers still below pre-pandemic levels as more people take flight

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Meanwhile, for those of you who are planning a road trip south of the line, despite high gas prices, the Canada Border Services Agency says people can expect a border that is managed differently, with evolving COVID-19 requirements.

The CBSA says part of speeding up the process during peak times includes getting all your information in the ArriveCan app up to 72 hours before you return to Canada, as the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest.