Kelowna International Airport will see more than 100,000 passengers between Dec. 19 and Jan. 5.
Image Credit: ylw.kelowna.ca
December 18, 2014 - 7:34 PM
KELOWNA – With a combination of holiday vacation travel and unsafe driving weather, Kelowna International Airport is poised for the busiest time of the year.
Airport spokesperson Jenelle Hynes says from now until Jan. 5 they expect more than 100,000 passengers.
“To put that in perspective,” she says. “October was a record-breaking passenger month with almost 131,000 passengers, and the average that month was around 4,200 per day. That’s huge, it’s going to be busy.”
Hynes says the busiest days to travel will be Sundays and Mondays and they expect more than 7,500 people on each of those days.
She recommends travellers to domestic locations arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure and two hours for international.
“Airlines have cut off times for their check in and baggage drop off, which is 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for travellers going to Mexico and the U.S. With line ups and everything else, we highly recommend passengers get here a minimum of 90 minutes early for domestic and two hours early for international.”
Hynes says although that may seem like a long time to wait, there are shops and other options to help pass the time.
“There’s great things to do in the airport once you’re on the other side of departures,” she says. “Check out the wine store, often there are complimentary wine tastings. You can get your shoes shined, you can sit in a massage chair and there’s always last minute shopping everyone needs to do. There’s some great little stocking stuffers people can pick up.”
Parking is also an issue this time of year, with only 2,600 stalls YLW will reach capacity during the holidays. Travellers should consider alternative means of transportation including being dropped off by friends or family, taxi and limousine services, airport shuttle and public transit.
The airport terminal opens daily at 3:30 a.m. with check-in counters, pre-board screening and food services available starting at 4 a.m.
Visit the airport website for packing tips, transportation options, security info, up-to-date flight information and a list of frequently asked questions.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014