Vancouver flights: How to reserve spots in security at YVR
Passengers traveling to the United States from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can now reserve a seat in line at security.
On Wednesday, the airport announced its YVR Express program, which allows travelers to reserve a seat at the security checkpoint before their flight.
The airport says the new, free program will help reduce wait times at security checkpoints and allow for a “more balanced flow of passengers” through the security checkpoint process. As a result, passengers and employees at the airport enjoy a “more predictable experience”.
“Innovation continues to be one of our greatest tools in delivering an exceptional experience for our passengers at YVR,” said Robyn McVicker, vice president, passenger journey at the Vancouver Airport Authority.
YVR has partnered with Copenhagen Optimization and CLEAR to adapt the program and has worked with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the Federal Crown Corporation responsible for all passenger security screening, to implement the new program.
The airport plans to work with its partners in the coming months to expand use of the program to its domestic and international security checkpoints, McVicker adds.
How to use the new program for YVR flights
Travelers can skip the security line by pre-booking a reservation through the YVR Express portal.
The portal will ask you to complete the following four steps to get started:
- Flight information: date of travel, destination, airline and flight number.
- Party Size: Number of people in your party and appointment time. (Note: YVR will reserve your slot for 15 minutes before or after your appointment. However, you will need sufficient time to clear US Customs after security.)
- Check that the information you have provided is correct.
Once you have selected your booking time, a QR code will be sent to your email address to present to the airport staff at security within 15 minutes of your scheduled time.
YVR Express is currently available for travel to the United States with flights between 6:30am and 8:30pm at the airport E-gates. Travelers can schedule their security screening appointment up to 72 hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time, or upon arrival at the airport up to 90 minutes before their flight’s scheduled departure time.
Travelers using the new feature should screen their bags before proceeding to security and then look for the YVR Express logo at E Security (US Departures).
Visit the YVR Express portal online to book a security check seat for travel to the United States
Flight delays at Vancouver International Airport
YVR has faced various operational challenges over the past year due to increased travel demand and labor shortages following the pandemic. From January to August, the daily passenger volume at the airport rose by around 170 percent.
Many travelers expressed frustration and outrage during the spring and summer after long waits at Vancouver airport resulted in delayed or missed flights. While conditions have improved in recent weeks, several travelers say they continue to face significant baggage and flight delays.
Travelers looking to expedite their journey from YVR to the United States can also use a new app. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) has introduced mobile passport control, allowing travelers to submit information digitally before going through the border process. The MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Passengers not traveling to the United States can use CATSA’s online tool to see approximately how long airport waits are before departure.
While travelers to Canada no longer need to enter their details into the ArriveCAN app, using it can save them time at the border. You can use the app to submit your customs declaration in advance.