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Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
19 reviews for Halifax Stanfield International Airport
19 reviews in English
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Review from Jennie S.
Halifax, NS
8/23/2011
I do not have airport love, like some of the other reviewers. Working on a plane for a few years I spend more of my life in airports than I did in my own home. Sadly, this isn't even an exaggeration...
With that, I will say that the YHZ airport is great for it's size. You couldn't support much more in terms of services with the volume of traffic, and quite frankly, it has as much as the YYZ Terminal 3 has! Cheap coffee, good coffee, duty free, sit down pub/resto, fast food, impulse buy shopping stores. You can manage a medium size delay through shopping without going bonkers! They have gone back to free WiFi too, I believe! -
Review from John M.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our flight is delayed for over an hour. We're stuck in the airport, not fun for anyone. However, we discover an oasis of calm accessible via elevator just before security. It is Halifax Airport's observation room. Up on the third floor is a quiet little room, with it's own washrooms and flight info screens, where you can sit back, relax and even find a free plug to charge your phone or laptop. This made what would have been an otherwise stressful time much more bearable.
Otherwise ths airport is fine. The staff is very friendly and it is clean and well-lit. Even the security screeners were extremely friendly and courteous compared to most other airports. The only think I'd like to see are more food options; there's not really anything to eat between Burger King and pup grub. -
Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Confession: I secretly kinda love airports, amid all the chaos of people rushing for their planes etc. I find there is a zen to airports, and I find them rather calming. Also, similar to McDonalds's, airports are basically the same all over the world.
While Halifax's airport is not the best airport I've ever been to (Hola, Madrid) it is certainly not the worst either (looking at you "Paris"-Beauvais), Stanfield hovers near the top of airports I've visited so far.
The good about Halifax airport?
-The size, you don't have to worry about getting lost, one main terminal with a small separate section for US connections.
-The airiness of the atrium, with a few trees, and even a few birds combined with the high ceilings makes the atrium area seem larger than it is, and is somewhat beautiful, especially for an airport.
-The area in the US arrivals before customs is also airy, with some pretty waterfalls, it almost makes you forget your about to be line up like chattel waiting for slaughter to get through customs.
-The staff always seem friendly here
-Best of all? Free wifi, it definitely helps alleviate some of the boredom when your flight has been delayed.
The bad?
-While not the airports fault itself, it has a lack of public transportation, making you rely on family and friends if your lucky, a cab if you have the cash, or the shuttle, which runs about once an hour.
-The food, unless your a Burger King fan, or enjoy stale looking sandwiches, eat before you come, and pack some snacks. There is a Starbucks in the main terminal, which is nice option for those like me who avoid Tim Horton's coffee at all cost.
-The US departure waiting area, it's a small square with a duty free shop and a small restaurant with mediocre at best food, and that's it. Make sure your good to go when you want to get to your gate, because you clear customs before going in, which means you are stuck. Luckily when I've been in this area it's been relatively quiet, but I've been told it can be hell when the winter charters to Florida start up
That's Halifax Stanfield in a nutshell, safe travels! -
Review from Paul B.
I was pleased to see that the airport was open and ready for business at 3 a.m. to welcome us three hours early for our departure to Cuba.
The wi-fi works so everything was fine. -
Review from Ben B.
1/12/2011 28 Check-ins Here
I don't mean to go all Love Actually on you guys, but I have a soft spot for airports. Assuming that an airport is up to snuff, getting from Point A to Point B really doesn't have to be that painful of an experience. Ideally you should be able to kick back with a latté, enjoy some wi-fi, and people-watch the day away. And of the many I've spent hours and hours in over the past few years, the Halifax Airport is easily my favourite one.
Its restaurant selection may not measure in the dozens, and its shopping is more live-lobsters than it is Louis Vuitton, but it's great where it really counts. With wide hallways, high ceilings, bright windows, abundant power outlets and free wireless, YHZ has everything the seasoned traveler really needs to pass the stop-over hours.
And if you're just picking someone up rather than traveling yourself? Well, there may not be as much for you to enjoy beyond the Tim Horton's and Burger King, but at least you can count on seriously convenient parking in the new garage. Bonus tip: If you have a MacPass you don't even need to pay or take a ticket, it's all automated which is glorious compared to the mess of other airport parking situations.
Oh Stanfield - you may share your name with underwear but in my heart you truly are the tuxedo of airports!
(Ten pun points for me.)Listed in: Halifax Stanfield…
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Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
Like Ben, I also have a soft spot for airports even though I have only been inside eight of them. And, since I have moved away from Halifax, every time I fly home I enjoy entering this airport... "welcome home girl" it says to me (complete with Maritimer accent)! Laugh all you like, but yes, I enjoy arriving here and seeing how it's changed every time.
This airport doesn't have as many places to eat as others, but I can always enjoy a Timmies and grab a book before I fly out again. The addition of a Booster Juice is nice, great if you're not in the mood for a coffee before you fly. You can also grab any last minute souvenirs or get a lobster packed up before you go into security - where else can you do that?! Free wi-fi is also nice if you got some time to waste or want to update your Yelp account.
It is unfortunate that the airport is quite a distance from the city, but I'm betting the city will grow towards it soon enough. Parking is expensive, but coming from Calgary, it somehow still feels like a bargain. Either way, I can't wait till I fly back into this airport again, so I can feel right at home.Listed in: Adventures in Halifax
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
4/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I like our one and only Airport in HRM. It's much more efficient with the "new" renovations and parking garage. No more meter parking, so if you are there to do a quick pick-up and want to park you pay $2 for the hour.
The common area are clean and naturally lit. Very pleasing. The washrooms are clean and well kept as well. The staff are friendly for the most part, I even got a smile from the customs folks a couple times!
A thing to note: the parking garage is the same price as outside lot parking.
Free wi-fi, but only works about 1/2 the time for me. Very accessible for wheelchairs and the mobility challenged. -
Review from Jim G.
8/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A beautiful little airport, very well laid out and easy to negotiate. Free wifi is a big bonus (take note, Pearson). The stores are well stocked and make sense--just when I was seeking out a toy store, I came upon one. I liked that there's an art shop that features paintings and drawings by local artists, and that the store will ship the works anywhere in the world. It's a sweet airport, and reminds me of other fine local airports, such as Gardemoen in Oslo, Norway.
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/16/2010
I've gotta give the Stanfield International Airport it's dues. You have grown into quite a lovely little spot to fly in and out of! For one thing, big fan of the new covered parking lot.
Beyond that though, my kudos mainly go to staff. I have had numerous unique experiences at this airport and the staff have always dealt with me and mine with great service and kindness. A couple of my more notables consist of having a gate held for me despite arriving late due to being inebriated (word to the wise: don't book flights for 5am saturday morning when you're too young to know better); escorting a model UN delegation through the international departure area (misplaced passports and all) as well as picking up my sobbing 18 year old (at the time) sister after numerous delays and a rather harrowing landing.
My one request would be for a couple other vendor options. Burger King, Tim Hortons and Cafeteria food does not exactly make for a well rounded set of options.
Overall, great airport! -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
11/13/2009 1 photo
I've got to give props to the Halifax International Airport. They've been doing a lot of renovations over the past several years and the Airport is looking great.
They recently added a new parkade which seems to have resolved many of the parking issues. The parkade has plenty of parking on multiple levels, at a cost of approximately $4/hour. The Airport also still offers a "Park n' Fly" option for travellers wishing to leave their vehicles at the airport at a cost of $12/day or $60/week.
Inside the airport, there's several retail shops and places to eat including a Tim Hortons, a Clearwater Seafood, Roots,
and an Island Beach Company.
Overall, the Airport has seen some great improvements - giving the airport a fresh new look, and making it much easier to navigate inside. -
Review from David H.
Halifax, NS
1/28/2011
Poor airport. They always praise themselves how great they are yet for an airport of this size they really suck.
Reasons why:
1. The airport is far away from Halifax. At least 30 minutes by car. The people who decided on that location for an airport must have been fools.
2. Parking is expensive. Despite the airport being literally in the middle of nowhere.
3. If you have an Air Canada flight at a busy time of the day, good luck. It will take forever until you can drop off your bag. Much slower than at Pearson, despite being such a small airport.
4. Security is slooow. These people need to go to Pearson to learn how to conduct checks in a decent amount of time.
5. CBSA is slooow. And they are not able to understand what is written on their forms. Again, they need to go to Pearson to get their speed up to par.
6. It takes forever for the bags to be put onto the belt. Despite the fact that it's a tiny airport with usually not many flights arriving at the same time.
7. A taxi to downtown Halifax costs $53 and there are never enough taxis available when a flight arrives. I've been waiting for more than half an hour to get a taxi.
Overall, this airport, despite being so small, really sucks compared to Pearson and most other Canadian airports. It is a disappointment. The only plus side is that it is a nice building and that it has OK stores before you go through security, including a Burger King. Once you are at the gates the stores are pretty poor though. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
4/17/2010
I guess Stanfield Airport is a hot review lately. If you have not been out there in a while it is completely different now. We have actually been rated as one of the better airports now.
The first convenience is a great area for grabbing a lunch. Lots of seating before you go for your flight. Here is where you will get those last minute items for your trip as well.
They have made it a lot easier for travellers going to the USA, you can now clear customs for the US at this airport now. This is a huge convenience for travellers.
The whole interior has been remolded and the flow is a lot better for check in. The parking area has changed a long with everything else, for the better, covered parking, bonus on those cold winter days.
The staff here are very nice and will assist you when needed. They even have empathy for people travelling with too much luggage and children. Word to the wise, make sure you check with your airline to see exactly how many and how much weight you are permitted. It can get costly! -
Review from Sarah H.
Halifax, NS
6/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I don't like flying that much, and airports make me anxious. However, I find Halifax to be quite comfortable, not as confusing as some airports, and easily accessible. Signage is good, amenities are good if you're there are the right time (went to pick up my fiance once at 10:30 and Timmy's was the only thing open) and parking is pretty good with the upgrades.
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Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/21/2009 2 photos
It's not for nothing that the entire main lobby ceiling is hung with awards from Best Customer service to Best Airport in the Americas. And rightly so!!!
Even in this crazy, frantic travel time of year (pre Christmas), everyone has a smile for you. And special kudos to the security team. One particular wonderful snapshot to share - elderly woman, travelling alone was slow going through security and not quite sure of what to do. The agent, calmly, gently and with great respect, helped her through the process...all the while, making sure the line moved quickly.
All the agents explained the "why" of whatever security checks they were doing, were mindful of various cultural differences - woman agent asking men if they wanted a man to do "pat down" when the magic wand beeped and asking women if they wanted to be taken to a private space for the same.
And I almost forgot to mention the free WiFi throughout the airport...certainly unheard of at most International airports - Toronto's Pearson comes to mind. -
Review from Lacey H.
4/17/2010
I like the atrium best. Before you pass through security, there's a lovely sitting area under a glass ceiling, with benches and trees to create the ultimate outdoor yet indoor experience. Authenticating the scene further are birds fluttering about, albeit not intentionally placed by airport staff.
This air travel port has undergone its share of cosmetic surgery, transforming it from plain and drab to modern and crisp over the last few years. The American customs section is all new, as well as many of the gates, care of some serious renovations. There is also a whole new lot for parking your ground transportation, making it easier to hop from car to airport upon arriving.
Staff vary, like with many large operations, but are ultimately a fairly friendly and helpful bunch. Perhaps not advisable but somewhat entertaining is attempting casual chat with the serious security employees. Go ahead, ask them if they take home all of the disposed of lotions and deodorants fillings the bins - I bet they won't find you as funny as you find yourself.
Food offerings are not the most lucrative at the Stanfield Airport, but you can get standards such as Tim's and Starbucks, as well as junk food from the magazine shops. Save your change for the massage chairs or else call a friend from a payphone for that classic takeoff farewell.
Welcome to 2010, Halifax Stanfield International Airport. You're modern. You're chic. You're hip. You traveler, will feel confident that you've made the right choice in coming to Halifax when you arrive at this airy and updated port of planes. -
Review from Luke W.
8/1/2010
My mother, my sister, and I found this airport quite pleasant. The friendliness level was a 10. The employees were more human than usual, smiling, joking, eager to help, and very informative. One lady in particular was a native of Prince Edward Island, our final destination, and spoke with us for several minutes about must-sees.
The food choices were adequate and varied, ranging in price. The book store had the book I was looking for and the staff there was friendly as well. The interior of the airport was spacious and aesthetically pleasing.
My one grievance was that the intercom announcer was a bit hard to understand, but other than that everything was top-notch. When it comes to customer service, these people knows what there aboot. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/20/2010
I'm a long time supporter of the Halifax International Airport. I've only travelled out of here a few times, but I have early memories of picking loved ones up here as they return from trips. The Halifax airport has a nice inviting feeling that you don't normally find at an airport, but that is what sets the HIAA apart, and why they are in possession of so many service award banners.
I worked at the Airport one summer during University, and I got to know the security workers and kiosk staff pretty well. Everyone is friendly and patient, which made my day and many peoples trips more enjoyable.
The worst part about travelling is when weather causes delays in your trip. There are many places to relax while you are waiting for flights, restaurants with bar service on the US and domestic side, a Tim Horton's both before and after security as well as a Starbuck's and a few delis. Food at the deli's is the best priced, just be careful because you can pay an arm and a leg for drinks.
Hot Hint: Starbucks has the best water filtration system in the entire building. If you want to fill up your water bottle once you get past security this is the place to go and get a free refill. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2009
Time to Fly!
I have been to this airport so much it is ridiculous! You see I have a traveling family. My mother, for example, travels about six times a year to wherever she wants to go. She just got back from Italy. Before that I think it was Germany. Being a Filmmaker I have also been to the airport in order to film people who were subjects in several documentaries I have Directed and Produced. So I have come to the airport as both a passenger and a business. And in both situations I have had nothing but a great experience!
If you are coming into Halifax, there is no other Airport you will be landing in. The Halifax airport is approximately a forty minute drive from Halifax and Dartmouth. So its not too far away. However, the highway can become dangerous in the winter time. So be careful.
The thing that has impressed me most about the airport is the consistent improvements. They now have a Parkade that feels like its from the future! With bridges leading into the terminal, the Parkade protects you from the unpredictable Nova Scotian weather. Before the Parkade, everyone had to get rained or snowed on.
So they are doing pretty good at modernizing the place but the good news is that its still a relatively small airport. So you don't have to walk for miles just to get to your terminal.
Their staff are very friendly however I find I'm always picked on by Custom's. I honestly have no idea why the "random" person picked to have his luggage searched is always me. So just make sure you are on the straight and narrow is all I can say.
Besides spending too much time with Custom's, I like the Halifax Airport. It has helped me out as both a customer and a Filmmaker when I had to do some filming. The staff are professional and helpful. So if you need to take off anywhere, this is a good place to do it at. -
Review from Michael L.
12/14/2010
This is a great airport. They have free wifi and a decent food court. The best part is probably the fact that you can get live lobsters from there too and take it on the plane with you.
