Grab your sunscreen and pack your bags! As temperatures rise and daylight lingers, it’s the perfect time to hop aboard a plane to discover new destinations or visit the people and places you love.Winnipeg Richardson International Airport typically sees more passengers travel through the terminal between the end of the school year and September long weekend than any other season.So, if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of travellers taking off this summer, it’sessential to prepare before arriving at YWG to help make your travel plans go smoothly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Know before you go
Be sure to check the travel requirements for all the countries on your itinerary, including those you’re connecting through, before your trip and what you’ll need upon your return home if travelling internationally. You can confirm all the details on the Government of Canada’s website or by contacting your airline. It’s also good to double-check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.
Pack smart
Learn what you can and can’t pack in your luggage by visiting the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s website. Liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on must be in 100 ml or less containers and placed in a clear, resealable one-litre bag. Save time moving through pre-board security screening checkpoints with the CATSA Verified Traveller program, which allows you to keep your shoes on and leave permitted liquids and electronics in your carry-on. Also, don’t forget to check your airline’s luggage policies to ensure your bags meet size requirements and allowances. By packing right, you’ll shorten your time at check-in counters and pre-board security screening checkpoints as well as reduce your risk of leaving items behind.
Plan your parking
Save time by reserving Valet & Away, which gives you peace of mind and priority line access at pre-board security screening. You can also save money by pre-booking your airport parking online. CAA members receive a discount when they pre-book and enter their valid membership number. Alternatively, Winnipeg Transit, taxi companies, and ridesharing services can deliver you to the terminal’s front door.
Go digital
Skip the line at the airline counters by checking in for your flight online at home and saving your boarding pass to your phone. International travellers returning home can save time by using the Canada Border Services Agency’s ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before flying into Canada. Similarly, passengers travelling south of the border can download the U.S Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control app to streamline the entry process into the United States.
Arrive early
Summer is a busy time at YWG, so you’lllikely encounter higher passenger volumes at peak times. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your boarding gate by arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before taking off to a U.S. or international destination.
Have questions?
If you need help or directions at the airport, look for one of our friendly Goldwings in theireasy-to-spot gold uniforms. The team at our Information Booth, located in the Arrivals Hall near Door 2, is also ready to answer any questions you may have.
Have fun!
You’ve been dreaming and planning about this trip for a long time - enjoy it! Grab a pre-flight beverage, take a selfie with the polar bear in front of the YWG mural near Gate 5 and set your out-of-office! We love seeing photos of our community travelling through YWG, so don’t forget to tag us in any pictures you post on Instagram, Facebook, or X.
