Travelers flying from the USA to Vancouver, BC Canada will arrive at the Vancouver International Airport. The airport is Western Canada’s busiest airport and has won the Skytrax award as “Best Airport in North America” two years in a row, 2010 and 2011. Passengers arriving in Vancouver from the USA for the first time are frequently surprised at the beautiful scenery as they approach the airport and are further impressed by the museum quality sculptures and art work throughout the airport.
The airport is well laid out for international arrivals with signs clearly directing passengers through Baggage Claim and Canada Customs Border Services Agency. There is a Customer Care Representative stationed here to aid you with any questions you may have regarding customs and immigration procedures.
US Airlines Flying To Vancouver
Several major US airlines fly to the Vancouver International Airport. This includes American Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Delta Air Lines. Over fifty commercial airlines operate out of the airport, making this one of the most frequently scheduled stops in Canada among US airlines.
On the West Coast of the USA, Alaska Airlines and their sister airline, Horizon Air have a vast network of flights that connect with Vancouver. Most Alaska/Horizon flights connect in Los Angeles, California (LAX); Portland, Oregon (PDX); or Seattle, Washington (SEA).
A regional airline, Skywest Airlines, operate the regional flights to Vancouver for United Airlines and Delta. For United regional flights, they operate under the brand name United Express. If you are a member of their frequent flyer program “Mileage Plus” or the air alliance Star Alliance, you earn miles with United Express flights.
For Delta’s regional flights, Skywest operate under the name Delta Connection. Flights with Skywest as Delta Connection, qualify for Delta’s frequent flyer program “SkyMiles” and the alliance “SkyTeam”.
US Airways flights most frequently connect through the Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona. This is US Airways main airport hub on the West Coast.
In Canada, WestJet is known as the leading discount airline in Canada. In 2011, WestJet and American Airlines announced code sharing agreements. It is now possible to book flights with each airline under the other airline’s ticket code. This can be convenient for travelers with frequent flyer miles with either airline.
The Vancouver International Airport
The airport is located in Richmond BC on Sea Island which is 8 miles from downtown Vancouver. The IATA airport code for the airport is YVR. Over 500 taxi’s serve the airport in addition to Limo and Sedan service. Taxi’s are located immediately upon exiting the terminal in a covered location.
Car rentals are located in the ground level parkade. Companies with service at the airport include; Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National.
There is excellent public transit, including the Rapid Transit Rail Link “Canada Line”. This is the quickest way to the city center.
There are numerous airport hotels located within a few miles of the airport. Many of the hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service. Some do not operate 24 hours per day, so confirm with your hotel the schedule of the shuttle and whether you need to confirm pick up with the hotel upon arrival.
Source by Glenn Kolb
