- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Vancouver International Airport
Category: Hotels & Travel Airports Airports [Edit]
3211 Grant McConachie WayRichmond, BC V7B 1M8
Neighbourhood: YVR
(604) 207-7077
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
174 reviews for Vancouver International Airport
174 reviews in English
-
Review from B L.
Richmond, BC
4/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Not being biased in any way, YVR is one of best airports in the world. If you travel the world enough, you will definitely agree.
Location: Many airports are easily 1hr away from the actual city they are listed for. Not YVR, which is conveniently located about 5mins from the actual city of Vancouver. Now with the connected Canada line Skytrain, one cant really complain much about the location.
The decor is just superb: heritage art, aquariums, waterfalls, even the way they hang their florescent light fixtures is worth noting.
And of course one cant forget to mention the free WiFi!
TIP: Top Floor departure, Bottom Floor Arrival, North side US, NorthWest side International, West side Domestic. So park your car accordingly! -
Review from S R.
5/24/2012 12 photos
pros: clean, new/renovated, airy, lots of glass, decent signage, friendlier staff than most american airports, surprisingly unbusy (way fewer flights than say sfo).
cons: pretty slow security
note: when flying back to the us, allot an extra 30 min for us customs. at most major canadian airports, us customs will process you before departing as opposed to after you land, so that you can fly direct to smaller us airports that do not have their own full-blown us customs facilities. its a minor annoyance, but its partly for your convenience. -
Review from Roger A.
Updated - 4/15/2012
YVR is really a great location airport. The skytrain goes out that way and the mountains are just right there.
The airport is pretty clean and IMO, very well organized.
If you are flying into the US, you have to go upstairs and go through alot of safety precautions... as it always is with the US. -
Review from Ryan N.
5/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This airport is more of a piece of art than a place if transportation. They have more art and interesting things to look than most museums. From the moment you get off the plane, you feel very calm and serene, and in a happy place. One of the most relaxing airports I've been to.
-
Review from Jessica Q.
Coquitlam, BC
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I just love YVR!!!
It is always so clean, spacious and nice.
We parked at the long term parking and we got the shuttle to the airport.
The driver was fantastic! Early morning for everyone but he was so upbeat and funny that definitely made my day!.
Everything went pretty smooth, check-in, customs and even waiting for the flight went well.
Free wi-fi is kinda nice!
Tv by the gates, bathrooms were clean.
Yvr: I give you 5 stars! -
Review from John J.
Vancouver, BC
4/13/2012
As Airports go, this is rather special on the world's stage.
If one has to leave Vancouver City....which is most unlikely to be a pleasant feeling;
you will look forward to returning through this airport again at some future [ not to distant ] time. -
Review from Gary M.
3/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I just got back home from San Francisco and Sonoma County last night, and it was so great to come home to YVR.
Now let me tell you I LOVE San Fran and Sonoma wine country. So if I feel happy to see our airport, it's saying something.
I love the beautiful West Coast water feature thingy you walk through when you arrive. It smells fresh. It feels BC.
KEY POINT: The new automatic customs machines are amazing! Quick, efficient and 5 star easy.
g -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
I will never forget the EYVRTHING campaign. What a great play on words!
My time at YVR usually looks like this. Arrive, check in, use the washroom, go through security, wait, get on a plane / get off the plane, walk through that nice hallway with the windows, get my bag, and luxuriate in the moist ocean air of HOME finally HOME. I am always so, so happy to return to YVR.
My favourite and most vivid YVR memory: in January 2008, I flew into YVR from Sydney, Australia. I had just left this incredible, warm, beautiful city where I was having a fling with a total babe in a mansion with a swimming pool. I had left Vancouver six months earlier to go traveling and had decided I wouldn't move back. I had just spent fourteen hours watching bad movies and stretching my legs as much as I could and trying to sleep and thinking about this temporary life I was leaving and wondering what the one that was waiting for me would be like. From YVR, I was supposed to be connecting to YYC, but I had about two hours between flights.
So I got off that 14 hour, delirious, no sleep plane ride at YVR and started walking down the long international arrivals hallway at 8am in January, and all I could see was this massive vista - through those strategically placed windows - of the mountains, all purple in the sunrise, and the sky with those Vancouver clouds, and the city stretching out in front of it. And my heart just felt so full, of love and longing and belonging to this place, this beautiful place.
I left security and went to the payphone and called everyone I could, everyone close to me in Vancouver, to see if I could stay with anyone and skip my flight back to Calgary where my parents were waiting for me because as soon as I saw those mountains on arrival through the yawning international arrivals windows I knew, I just KNEW I had to be in this city.
I know I'm not the only one who's felt that way.
In case you're wondering, nobody picks up payphone calls at 8am on a Sunday, and I ended up catching my flight to Calgary and staying there for another month before I caught a long-as Greyhound ride back to Vancouver. To think that I had decided with such certainty that I wasn't going to stay in Vancouver, and then I saw those mountains and just knew. -
Review from Don B.
1/23/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Oh YVR...
...why you gotta be so cruel to us commuters? You have such a nice, clean, new airport with shiny, flashy signs and video screens and clean carpet and check-in counters. Why oh why do I have to hike all the way out to gate fucking 90-something to catch a 40-minute flight to Seattle? Worse yet, why do I have to hike crazy far from one terminal to another to make a connection when coming in from or points north and points south? Boo on that.
Otherwise, the Vancouver Airport is a pretty damn decent airport. They have semi-free wifi (free for mobile), a decent number of eateries and shops, clean services and a myriad of other conveniences. Of the many, many airports in which I've done time, YVR is up there near the top. Security is not too rough (it's USA style for the flights south), the US Customs area is well organized and quick and the duty free options are aplenty (although you gotta watch out - prices aren't necessarily great. Especially on booze).
Coming in is fairly easy as well, although like many airports it's a trek from the commuter gates to customs, and customs can be pretty damn slow. Slow but friendly and efficient (for any CBSA agents reading this!). The SkyTrain light rail is just outside the main entrance which adds to the ease of transport to downtown... which is not really that far away. About 25 min at most by cab or 25 min by train.
The only question remains - what does the YVR acronym stand for?Listed in: Planes, Trains, and…, Oh Canada...., You're So Fly...
-
Review from Cynthia G.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2012 38 Check-ins Here
The Vancouver Airport sure has changed over the last 10 years. They have done an outstanding job on both the domestic and international terminals in YVR. Pre-secuirty and post security. All of the immunities are just wonderful and this airport is certainly in my top 5.
Lot's of shopping, a large number of restaurants and concessions that serve food items. Love some of the services like the spa's for a quick mani or neck massage. And of course a couple Starbucks along the route to the gate.
All is good, unless you want to use the FEE Wi-Fi at YVR......the AC lounge connection is no problem but for the rest of the airport the Wi-Fi is terrible at YVR.Listed in: FOODLESS FEBRUARY CHALLENGE
-
Review from Elvis A.
2/10/2012
Accessibility: Via Public Transport and via few bridges (can get congested during rush hours)
Location: reasonable distance from downtown core
Hotel: Connected to the Airport and some within vicinity
Food: Several Chain offerings
Shops: Duty Free is decent and other souvenirs shops and alcohol shops
Car Rental: Located across from the main terminals
Tip: If you have time to kill just make a quick trip to the river rock casino via sky train as it is only a couple of stations away and buy a day pass or zone tickets from the shops at the airport to avoid surcharge.
This airport has a lot of potential to be great but it misses it due to some flaws.
All the Olympic money poured in to make it world class, one of the best connection via public transport one can think off in North America which was just expanded for the event apparently, plenty of places to eat, duty free and other shops, close vicinity to the downtown and gorgeous location, this airport has a lot going for it.
Now the bad part there is always some kind of construction going on in the US departure area whenever I flew from here.
Confusing signs and unhelpful staff make for an odd experience sometimes. One the better airports in North America. -
Review from Robin M.
1/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I'm always so happy to get to YVR. Clean washrooms, free (and reliable) wifi, good (well, decent) coffee options, mostly pretty friendly security, AUTOMATED customs area -- and don't even get me started on those cute little Canadiana displays.
I don't even mind waiting around for my delayed flight to arrive (just don't make a habit of it -- Air Canada, I'm looking at you). It's so clean and nice and purty that I can just hang for awhile... you know, put my feet up, eat a bit o' dim sum, drink some organic sustainable free trade freshly squeezed juice concoction and read trashy fashion magazines.
... and if I get bored enough, I'll just hop on the Canada Line for a quick ride home (but not before stopping at the Sev and picking me up some fare saver tickets. You're welcome).Listed in: Best Places To Kiss In…, Time Travel
-
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/29/2012
I have this love and hate relationship with Vancouver International Airport.
It is THE best airport in Canada I been to. It just have this laid back vibe, all these open space, the decorations, the colour theme they use all calm me down.
I been at YVR at couple of times when I took cruises out from Vancouver Seaport up to Alaska.
However, I really hate going through YVR if I connecting from Asia to Toronto. The immigrations line here are always long and one time I was stuck in the line for 2 hours.... from now on I avoid it at all cost, I rather routing through US to avoid Vancouver's immigrations! -
Review from Mo F.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2012
Beautiful art..... good stores........
and TRAVEL!
love. -
Review from Terry K.
12/31/2011
yelp Challenge 365 # 86/365
Fantastic Airport! What I liked most is the little pods you can rent during your lay over. It's a pod you can take a nap in quiet comfort.
Clean as clean as an airport can be with adequate directional signs, I was able to manuver my way through the terminal and their customs section is actually very efficient.
I heard many different languages while waiting in line. Inspite of the multitude of ethnic backgrounds, the courtesy and friendliness was universalListed in: Yelp 365 Challenge, Up Up and Away
-
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I love YVR ever since they redid it many years back! Cleanest looking airport I've been through in North America!
Directions are clearly marked and the airport makes sense. You won't be going upstairs, then down, around, and all over the place like some I've been to. There's beautiful art works on the outside of the terminals as well as the inside. Though, I don't need it back here in Vancouver, there's free wifi for travelers. -
Review from Sam W.
3/16/2012
Gorgeous airport which apparently is shaped like a phallus! Look for the airport sign to keep yourself entertained ;) They have quick-ish security, automated customs (so you don't have to deal with the person grilling you), beautiful Canadian displays (and sounds!) and have a pretty decent selection of fast food chains/ airport restaurants to get robbed at. They also have free Wifi and the Canadaline to and from YVR.... convenient.
-
Review from ryan c.
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've come here several times and as I think about this airport, I'm not sure what to say about it.
It's clean and there are many moving walkways in the terminal. That's always a plus in my book. But the restaurants are very questionable. Although they do have free Wi-Fi and I believe all airports should nowadays. -
Review from Kas D.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2012
I have been to many many many airports in my day as I have a disease called the travel bug (no cure for that!) I seriously love flying in (and out of) YVR. It's so pretty! and clean! and renovated! and hello free WiFi! I really enjoy the fact that it looks like the folks at YVR actually put some time and effort into making YVR a reflection of BC. Greatly enjoy some of the fantastic art installations, and I am proud that YVR displays Aboriginal art throughout the airport. I've always had good service at YVR and so far have not come across any power tripping border guards (phew!) Maybe YVR could have a few more restaurant and food options, but they have enough variety for me not to dock them a star for it.
Oh, and it's oh-so-much fun to partake in my favourite secret pastime at YVR....people watching! Ok...maybe not so secret anymore. Hush you. -
Review from Ryan M.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is for 12/31/2011 & 01/03/2012. Happy New Year from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. With a bunch of holidays so close together, I had a a lot of free time to travel. About a week ago, I traveled to my second home, Seattle, WA. Plus, being spontaneous Ryan, I booked a last minute flight to Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
My plane arrived to Vancouver from Salt Lake City around 12:30pm. Since I haven't been to another country in eight years, it has been awhile since I traveled outside of the U.S. I was glad to find out that I had a couple months left on my passport to travel. So, don't forget to get your PASSPORT!! If you are arriving outside of Canada, have your passports ready. Also, do not use your cell phones while in the waiting area when you are about to be questioned by Canada Border Services Agency. The wait for visitors is about 30-45 minutes since there are only about 4-5 CBSA Agents versus the residents who have about 8-9 Agents. Welcome to Canada!!
The airport did not seem big, but it was definitely efficient. It seemed that CBSA and TSA were brother and sisters....Literally. I wonder why Canada hasn't joined the U.S....lol.
As for departing from Vancouver to Salt Lake, I took the Canada Line Train to YVR. It is connected to the airport and definitely convenient. If you are staying in downtown Vancouver, take the train, save some $$$$. Let the computer drive and sit comfortably in a popularly used train.
There is a food court on the departure level. There was a Burger King, Starbucks and, some other restaurants. Since my flight back was in the morning and the Canada Line did not start until 4:48am, I had to eat a quick breakfast. If you don't have checked baggage, I prefer you use the kiosks, saves a lot of time.
As for screening, just like the TSA, but don't forget CBP is there too. I am not sure how operations work if you are leaving Vancouver to a Non-US State, but it seems CBP does have a presence unless there is a line that divides the U.S. and Canada right there.
Overall, Vancouver International seems like a small airport. The terminals are quite far, at least for Delta SkyWest anyways. The CBSA immigration line for arrivals can be worked on a little better. Leaving Canada, CBP Agents are more efficient to help you get out...lol. I'll be back to visit Vancouver soon when it gets warmer.
My old phrase:
The Yelp Universe. Where are you traveling today?
My new phrase:
Yelp is My Review, My Story, and My Life. Its time to share it. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I thought I was home free:
Security: To your left sir.
Me: (continue walking toward the exit on my left which is of course on his right) Thanks.
Security: To. Your. Left. Sir.
Me: You mean right?
2 more security walk toward me: Both yell "TO YOUR LEFT!"
Me: (apprehensively) Th-that's YOUR left. You mean my RIGHT?
Security: IN THERE! (Both point to the room adjacent to the exit.)
Me: but... but...
Now I'm in yet another line in a room I've never been in before. I look around and across from me is one of 5 or 6 stainless steel tables. On top a ladies suitcase lays open. It's contents strewn all over. She struggles to keep her clothes from falling on the floor. The security guard is abrupt & condescending. The woman is terrified and keeps her head down. The guard chastises her repeatedly for something.
The far wall is two-way mirrored. On the other side I imagine more guards. Arms folded, heavy weapons slung over their shoulders drooling and eating Snickers. Next to them a crusty veteran smoking a confiscated Cohiba stands vigilant in a Pentagon style command centre.
*Snap out of it. That's exactly what they want me to think is going on back there. I tell myself they're probably eating spongecake and discussing the latest episode of Glee. (The truth is probably somewhere in between.)
There are about 25 guards. All armed to the hilt, wearing flack vests and blue rubber gloves. They are on a mission. It's like an Easter egg hunt for them. (Maybe they get an extra Snickers for each piece of contraband they find.)
There are three passengers in line ahead of me. The guy at the front is already repentant. He sort of whimpers to himself "what did I do?" he looks over at us and asks "Did you do anyth..." he doesn't finish his sentence. I give him a little shrug and think; jeez look at what they've done to this guy. He's going to pee his pants. This is Orwellian.
I've been in line now for over 45 mins. Better check my phone. Is it okay to check my phone? No one said it wasn't. I discreetly turn my phone on. Sure enough 3 text messages and 2 missed calls. I phone Michelle back.
Michelle: Are you okay? Where ARE you? You were way ahead of us!
Me: I'm in the special security screening room.
I hear Sean in the background: "Oh man. That sucks."
One of the guards looks over at me.
Me: I better go. I'll be there... eventually.
I was tempted to shout "Call Ron Kuby!"
Another 10 mins. pass and I'm at the front of the line. There's a sign; "You may be asked to give permission to be on a reality TV Series being filmed at YVR Security." I tuck in my shirt.
One of the guards waves me over. Okay, what's the strategy? Do I act obsequious? Nonchalant? Indignant? I know, I'll kibitz.
Me: (casually) Sooo, how are YOU today?
Guard: Fine. Can you remove your coat and shoes please.
Me: You want my shoes up here?
Guard: That's fine. Empty your pockets. Can you turn them inside out for me please?
Me: Sure! How am I doing so far?
Guard: (cracks a smile) You're doing good. Every been in this part of the airport before?
Me: No. First time caller. Hopefully last.
Guard: I hear ya. Where you coming from?
Me: Korea.
Guard: SOUTH Korea?
Me: (no North! D-uh) Yeah Seoul.
Guard: What were you doing there?
Me: I was actually there for a wedding.
Guard: How often do you travel?
Me: Like, off the continent? I dunno, once a year. Every couple years. Sometimes more. (Look at the stamps in my passport you dummy!)
Guard: What do you do for a living?
Me: Photographer. (Lemme guess the next question. Is it: "Like, weddings?")
Guard: Like, weddings?
Me: No. Commercial.
Guard: Photography huh? What's that like?
Me: (Don't say "it's like painting but more realistic") Well it keeps me out of trouble. Until now...
Guard: Hehe. Can you put that case up here and open it please? I assume that's your camera?
Me: Yup. (open case)
Guard: That looks like a pretty good uh thing, lens. I'm thinking of getting one. A zero to 20 mm. You think that's a good lens?
Me: (Zero? Do NOT laugh at him) Um that's pretty wide. Good for some things I guess.
Guard: (Looks up, scrutinizes me and concludes I'm an actual photographer.) I won't touch the camera and let you put that all back the way you like it.
Me: Thanks. I appreciate that.
Guard: How many people you traveling with?
Me: 4 and they're all waiting for me outside. Still. I hope.
Guard: Almost done. Know why you're in here?
Me: I would love to know.
Guard: Well, if we don't search we don't find.
Me: (gee that's helpful) Just doin' yer job.
Guard: Exactly. We're done. You can go ahead 'n pack that stuff up.
Me: (in a sincere voice) Have a great day.
Guard: (taken aback) You too.
He barely went through my stuff at all. He may not know an f-stop from a bus stop but he seemed like a nice guy. Maybe it was Stockholm Syndrome. The rest of the airport is great but Sean was right. This part of YVR does suck.
As I leave another 2 passengers are in line. They look drained. One looks up and whimpers "what did I do?"Listed in: Dan vs. the World.
-
Review from Lorna G.
2/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What a cool and beautiful airport! Upon arriving into the airport, we were greeted with a neat presentation of history prior to exiting out into the baggage area. It was like walking through a museum!
Picking up baggage was painless and so was customs. The overall process was not painstakingly long... but we did come in quite late in the evening, which may have accounted for the lower traffic.
Checking in to leave was a better than pleasant experience. We flew American Airlines and the attendants were so friendly and helpful! Dropping off bags, going through customs...again, we had pretty short lines that were very manageable.
I cannot wait to go back to this city and go through this airport! -
Review from Carmen C.
12/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Vancouver International Airport ~ I have a bone to pick with you.
Now while you are lovely to look at, you are not the most convenient place to visit. Your parking prices are astronomical and picking up people from the airport is an absolute nightmare! Why oh why don't you have a better system for passenger pick ups and drop offs?
On the plus side, you DO have free and unlimited wifi, and a Tim Hortons (the key to any prairie girl's heart!). You're also adding a bunch of new stores, like Victorias Secret (yay!). You have amazing First Nations art work and sculptures on display, and even a waterfall.
The stores and upgrades are great, but please... PRETTY PLEASE... give us a break on the parking rates. And don't forget us poor boogers who keep having to drive the big loop around the airport and gas station (over and over and over again) when waiting to pick up a passenger. -
Review from David C.
Calgary, AB
1/8/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Renovations done for the Olympics have improved the domestic terminal a lot. Many food choices, and some shops will keep you going as you wait for your flight.
One thing YVR has done, which almost every airport in the world could pay attention to, is install a power tower near the seating. These towers are clearly marked and provide a couple of regular power outlets and a couple of powered USB outlets! Very handy!!!
This airport is also kept fairly clean! -
Review from Calvin N.
3/15/2012
Ive been to better airports it's not bad and not confusing but when your herevfor a transfer flight it sucks no free wifi or anything unique of there own to fansinste about. But it cleaner and easier to understand then JFK in NY.
-
Review from J N.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
This airport sucks. I mean sucks. The airport security is horrible and very inefficient. My gate was old and there was no gate agent til 20min before the flight.
-
Review from Amanda L.
1/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I like YVR but despite how new and clean it is I just can't admit to loving it.
The airport is never busy when I travel, with the exception of a SunWing flight I and many others arrived late fore I have never had to stand in a line for more then 2 minutes and I appreciate the hell out of that!
I seem to get the random search 90% of the time I fly and really like the new body scanners because I like many other get a lot of anxiety when it comes to being pat down in a room full of strangers taking off their belts, shoes and jackets. However even before these machines the staff were always friendly and informative as to what was happening throughout the search.
Maybe it's anxiety but airports make me hungry and I often fly at dinner time so naturally I am already hungry and there is almost nothing for food options after securities. Come on guys, Calgary has a whole food court after securities and all you have is corner store and Starbucks with meat sandwiches and even more overly price Milestones, which I couldn't risk because it may have taken too long...I mean look around, where the hell is there kitchen even at?
I did however like that they have ample plugs for you to charge up your electronics if you happen to have a lengthy wait time.
So overall YVR you are a good airport...I am just a hungry girl who needs more options! -
Review from Lolia S.
10/23/2011 2 photos
The Native American art (masks, totems, attire), including the huge waterfall, give YVR a sense of history and character. They have free wi-fi, a fair number of power outlets, spa services, and places to buy Canadian and Canucks gear. It's not far from downtown Vancouver and easily accessible by the Canada Line (train). The rental car area is close by the baggage claim exit.
However, the shops in the US terminal aren't interesting, the bathroom was old and gross, and the food is provided mostly large chains (Burger King, Orange Julius, Tim Horton, Starbucks, Cinnabon). I don't think they have fro-yo.
The Canadian customs line once you land in Canada is very long. When you fly back to the U.S., you go through customs again at YVR, not at your destination. Factor in extra time for that.
The airport didn't feel crowded until you reached the long customs line.Listed in: My favorite services, Canada, I love you
-
Review from Lauren H.
3/12/2012
I have been through a lot of airports in my life, YVR wins in every way. It is clean, quiet, great layout, and is very calming, even customs were nice to me. This is the best airport on the american continent!
-
Review from Karen M.
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful artwork, including totem poles.
Lots of windows and natural light.
Random birds flying around (the real live kind!).
Clean clean clean.
Great food options.
Friendly customs clerks??! Wow.
My hometown airport is one of the best in the world for good reason. YVR is a great way to introduce people to Vancouver and Canada in general.
Just make parking cheaper and it'll be more perfect! -
Review from Betty T.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best word to describe this airport: ZEN.
This is the most homely airport ever!! I love the whole aboriginal ambiance... The waterfall, totems, etc... Puts me right into holiday mode!
Great first impression and warm inviting welcome for visitors or those coming home!!!
Oh, and free wifi!!! -
Review from Sarah O.
10/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Going to YVR makes me squeal with delight and pee in my pants a little bit. It's not because it's the happiest place on earth, but it does mean that I get to go somewhere or someone is coming to visit. I am constantly intoxicated with the promise of flying overseas and returning many, many months later. The Canada line has made it that much easier to plug into this adventure, though I should say- it's pretty friggin' embarassing that we only recently made the public transportation access to the biggest airport in Western Canada. What took you so long, Vancouver??
It's not the coolest or most interesting of airports. And frankly, on my romantic-airport scale, it's not making any headlines. I absolutely can not stand staring at the huge, blaring advertisement of Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant while waiting at the arrival gate. But in the end, I can't argue that YVR is spacious, pleasant and incredibly clean with free wifi. That's really all I ask from an airport, functionally. And functionally speaking, YVR is now a great airport.Listed in: Airports!
-
Review from Joanna N.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very chill airport!!
Security, baggage check, and customs are all pretty quick (in comparison to other airports I've been through). The airport is also very clean and seems relatively new. Also, free wifi - always a plus when you're waiting around in an airport!
I usually travel between the U.S. and YVR, so there's a separate terminal for these departures. Apparently, there's a huge selection of cigars at duty free in the international terminal, but the U.S. terminal doesn't have access to it. -
Review from Michael S.
1/11/2012
This is a very clean, good looking, and efficient airport.
Getting in from the US you have to walk from the terminal aallll the way to customs. It's rather lengthy walk, but you are treated to Native American art (AKA 'First Nations' in Canuckian), and the walk down form the upper floor down to ground level where customs is located seems rather epic. FYI, the bathrooms are located under the stairs.
Canadian Customs officials are for the most part friendly, warm, and professional. Only a couple of times I got grilled by them, one time resulting in a bag search and background check. From that point you make your way to baggage, hand off your declaration card and you're right in transportation area where you can do your currency exchange and then choose how to get out by SkyTrain, Bus, Cab, and Limo/Private car.
Getting back to the US make sure you tell the cab driver that you are returning to the US as it has it's own terminal at the airport. Because of this the lines for check in are rather short and you'll probably spend more time filling out your US declaration card than checking in. You actually go through US Customs before entering the terminal. They seem to be a little more thorough than their Canadian counter parts. Make sure you have your papers in hand and are attentive to their questions.
The US Terminal is BIG, full of duty free shops, and a good selection of food choices from your plastic wrapped sandwiches to the more relaxed fast food options along with a Tim Horton's and Starbucks and small bars. There is also currency exchange booths.
If this airport wasn't so far out of the way when the wife and I flew to Tokyo we would of chosen it as our connecting city from Las Vegas as we both dislike LAX and SFO. -
Review from Amanda H.
12/18/2011
I have flown in and out of YVR on numerous occasions and I have to say that the first time I arrived in the international terminals I was blown away. I truly felt like I had landed on another planet. haha I have been in many airports in my day but this was the only one that felt like a museum.
Customs wasn't that bad and I felt welcomed to the country. It was interesting to hear all the different languages and see all the first nations art. It is very clean and I love looking at all the shops while I wait and having access to decent food and wifi.
I also loved the fact that when you are waiting in the lobby for arrivals there are TV's that allow you to see who is arriving so you can keep track of an arriving loved one. That is awesome! I also like the fact that quick coach, greyhound and other charter buses and taxi's pick up right outside and that getting to the sky train isn't too difficult. -
Review from Amy C.
9/7/2011
Really thought that the Canadians were warm and hospitable people. But, upon arrival into YVR, we were interrogated non-stop.
The first customs guy was a total a-hole to me. He questioned me forever, then wrote a big, fat X on my form. Didn't realize later that it meant I had to go to super customs interrogation part 2.
So, we're walking towards the exit and the guys standing there stop me and tell me to go to this other room. My friend who is traveling with me is told to go with me and to "enjoy". Say what?
We walk into this big, quiet room and look around. There's like one person working and people sitting around looking bored and frustrated. Um, can someone please tell me wtf is going on?
Nothing. So, we waited for an hour before we were called up. More interrogation and judgment, this time from a kid who barely looks like he's 22. He searched our purses and luggage, then took our cell phones and iPad to the back.
About 10 minutes later, he returns and says "Thanks for your time." What?! No "welcome to Vancouver"? Geez.
I don't know what ya'll are raving about with the 5 star reviews, but after that experience, it really made me think twice about coming back to Canada. Being treated like criminals and made to wait around for an hour is not my idea of good customer service.
Sure, there is free wi-fi. But, that still doesn't make up for the horrible experience.
BTW, U.S customs in Canada was WAY nicer and friendlier than CBSA.
Enjoy. -
Review from Neal E.
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is only the second time I've flown out of Canada to the U.S. (first time was from Toronto to Dulles five years ago).
Vancouver International is a coooooolll Airport! Checked in my bag and got my boarding passes (United Airlines at Vancouver International currently does not accept electronic boarding passes).
After checking my bag, I headed to Security checkpoint, and then the Customs checkpoint. Traversing the Security checkpoint took less than five minutes. Took about 10 minutes of waiting in line to get up to the Customs checkpoint, and about a minute to get through.
The thing I really like about Vancouver International is the Concourse. It's got some cool design/architectural vibes going on - and there is a ton of dining options, although I did not partake in any at such an early time of the morning.
And there is a ton of seating - not only at each Gate is their ample seating, but there is a large amount of seating for each food joint. This is in stark contrast to say Concourses at Airports such as Chicago O'Hare or Dulles International - where food joint seating is either very small, or non-existent.
I wish my home Airport of Dulles were more like Vancouver International!Listed in: Airports Abound!
-
Review from Edward L.
11/1/2011 15 Check-ins Here
YVR is definitely one of the nicer airports out there. At risk of sounding old, I remember this airport before the giant wave of renovations and subsequent expansion around 1996.
The international terminal is freaking awesome. Definitely world class. Nice open areas, lots of natural lighting, free Wi-Fi.. I love it here. Coming back home is really nice too when you go down the stairs to those 2 giant totem poles. The fact you can also do self-checks now with your passport saves a ton of time. I can spend hours walking here. I guess the only question I have is why they designed the terminal to look like a.. penis. Yes. Look at the map next time you're there. I'm sure the architect had a few good laughs.
The domestic terminal needs some work though. It's still stuffy, and there are many places where they didn't cover up the (original) old building with the newer white panels. So you KNOW you're really in a 50-year old building. Also, the domestic terminal is seriously lacking in food services. A Starbucks and 1 sandwich bar doesn't count. Also the HVAC system doesn't work too well. They really should be tearing this part down and rebuild.
The USA terminal is part of the newer building, but the lineups are INSANE. What always bothers me is why they even bother having 16 kiosks if there are no more than 3 officers working at any given time? So far I haven't had my junk scanned or groped here (yet), so.. fingers crossed. -
Review from Dru C.
9/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been to a lot of airports in the world. This is one of the top I would say myself. One thing I realize is that it has spent a lot of money on the decorations in the place.
I really take this place for granted. When I compare it to so many airports, this is one of the most cultured one I have ever seen. Comparing to size, you can't because the place looks so new, and the airport looks so lovely. The carpet flooring, while LAX has tiles.
I really appreciate the layout of the airport too as well. The people returning are at the bottom which is so close to the parking, like literally 6-7 steps away. Then the people leaving has an amazing drop off, which makes it so convenient and the bag picking up is before we see all of our friends and family at the end. I love the layout of this place.
I need to appreciate what I have more in the city that I live in. I never realized that there are so many amazing potentials in the places that are so near to me. Love ya YVR. -
Review from Dustin H.
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't normally like reviewing airports cause I haven't traveled enough to even fully experience my own hometown airport fully, much less others, but I just really, REALLY enjoyed the Vancouver one to the point I felt I had to say something. I can only assume a lot of this is due to the improvements they apparently made for the olympics (which I wouldn't even know about, were it not for previous reviews) but this was the nicest, sleakest, most stylish airport I've ever been to. Getting back to Calgary, ours felt so bland and utilitarian by comparison that I found myself longing for the style and artistic aspects of YVR.
Furthermore, the free WIFI and the wide variety of stores and food options also out-do any other airport I've been to. It is a bit sprawling (as a previous reviewer alluding to with his borderline excessive use of the word "hiking") but no more so than a typical international airport, in my opinion.
All things considered, airports are always kind of a pain - I don't think anybody ENJOYS all the waiting in lines, sitting in terminals, boaring (and waiting some more) and the whole 9 yards... but of all the airports I've been to, YVR was the best - at least it was fun to walk around and take in, gave me a lot to look at and a bunch of interesting little ways to kill time while I waited for my flight.
30/30
