YVR Insights

[Gladstone Tim]

In September I have my first visit to North America. Some trepidation at the possible airport procedures, delays in being processed etc.
We are on an SQ-codeshare on AS metal YVR-SEA connecting to SIN on SQ. The first sector has been rescheduled earlier by an hour to 6am with the recommended airport arrival time of 3am (International flight with checked baggage).

The evening before we will arrive in Vancouver from a Rockies road trip about 8pm. Allowing time to have some dinner, get to our accommodation etc etc it will likely be 10pm or close to it. We would likely need to wake-up at 2am to be at the airport by 3am. Totally seems not worth booking accommodation for the night.

What would people suggest? Is the international terminal open 24 hours? How early can you go through to airside/check-in? Any quiet areas, food facilities overnight in the landside?

 

[Mwenenzi]

At YVR you will process USA pre clearance, so effectively arrive in USA as a domestic passenger. USA does not have the concept of "international air side transit".

https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers

https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/navigate-yvr/customs-and-immigration/us-customs-and-border-protection

Through U.S. preclearance, the same immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections of international air passengers performed on arrival in the United States is completed before departure at YVR instead. Please note that US CBP is operational between the hours of 04:30 and 23:30. Passengers who are departing on flights outside of this time should contact their airline for more information.

Got you USA & Canadian ETSA/visa sorted out? Or planned to apply?
USA airlines operate different to Au. The amount-size of carry-ons passengers take is a lot more.

Most large USA & Canadian airports operate 24 hrs a day. Politically inspired curfews are not tolerated that much.

Vancouver is a very nice city. One of the better cites in North America. A September Rockies road trip will be good. Take your time.

 

[Daver6]

3 hours seems like overkill to me. I've had a 10am AS flight to SEA and I'm pretty sure I only turned up two hours prior with plenty of time to spare.

Maybe consider staying at an airport hotel?

 

[Gladstone Tim]

3 hours seems like overkill to me. I've had a 10am AS flight to SEA and I'm pretty sure I only turned up two hours prior with plenty of time to spare.

Maybe consider staying at an airport hotel?

Thanks Mwenenzi and Daver6. I checked the price of the airport hotel-CAD$599!

 

[RooFlyer]

There is the SkyTrain linking downtown to the airport, very reliable but probably not running as early as you need

SkyTrain Schedules

Our fully-automated rapid transit system offers fast, convenient travel along three lines from Downtown Vancouver to the airport and other major cities in Metro Vancouver.

www.translink.ca

 

[luxury-lizard]

Is there anyway you could change your YVR-SEA flight to fly the night before then get an airport hotel at SEA? I'd also agree 3 hours prior to your flight is overkill - not even sure check-in would be open.

 

[Gladstone Tim]

Is there anyway you could change your YVR-SEA flight to fly the night before then get an airport hotel at SEA? I'd also agree 3 hours prior to your flight is overkill - not even sure check-in would be open.

Thanks for the suggestion but the tour ends in the city between 7pm and 8pm and they don’t drop off at YVR.

 

[Daver6]

Thanks Mwenenzi and Daver6. I checked the price of the airport hotel-CAD$599!

I think there are a bunch of hotels "near" YVR. As always the walking distance one is always priced as such.