โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
YVR is organized around a Main Terminal with Domestic (B/C) and International (D/E) concourses under one roof, plus a separate South Terminal for regional flights. Canada Line trains stop directly between the parkade and the Main Terminal check-in level, and a dedicated shuttle links the South Terminal to the Main Terminal curb in under 10 minutes. Wayfinding is strong with bilingual signage and large color-coded zone markers, and most gates sit on a single concourse level with clear airside connections between the domestic, international, and US pre-clearance areas.
Walking between domestic gates and the international pier typically takes 5โ10 minutes; the longest airside walk (C to E gates) is about 12โ15 minutes at a normal pace with moving walkways in the central spine. The South Terminal shuttle runs every 20 minutes and drops passengers at the Main Terminal arrivals level, adding roughly 15โ20 minutes total to any connection.
Security screening is handled by multiple CATSA checkpoints: domestic B/C checkpoint near the central departures hall, international D checkpoint beside the international departures lobby, and US pre-clearance screening on the E concourse. Waits are generally shortest midday (10โ14 minutes) and longest during early morning North America bank and late-evening Asia departures (25โ40 minutes); NEXUS, Premium, and Trusted Traveller lanes are available where signed. International arrivals clear CBSA in a spacious primary inspection hall with automated kiosks; international-to-international passengers follow a marked corridor for connections and usually re-clear security. US-bound passengers complete CBP pre-clearance after security in E, so they arrive stateside as domestic arrivals.
Amenities are dense throughout the Main Terminal: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in domestic C and international D, Plaza Premium lounges in international D and domestic B, plus a SkyTeam lounge near gate D53. Dining ranges from local favorites like Salmon n' Bannock on the Fly and Japadog to Cactus Club Cafรฉ, Tim Hortons, and multiple sushi counters, while duty-free anchors the D/E concourses with art-forward Indigenous galleries and luxury boutiques. Free WiโFi, abundant charging, hydration stations, and quiet seating pockets are easy to find along the central spine.
Accessibility is strong with level transitions via elevators and ramps, accessible washrooms near every gate cluster, tactile floor strips, and visual paging screens. Family travelers can use nursing rooms near gates C45 and D67, stroller-friendly wide corridors, kids' play areas by B15 and C29, and priority lanes at select checkpoints. The South Terminal keeps similar amenities scaled for regional operations, with short curb-to-gate distances and curbside assistance on request.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a world-class experience, largely thanks to its integrated single-terminal design which houses Domestic (B/C gates), International (D gates), and U. Note that a $5 'YVR AddFare' applies to tickets purchased at the airport. A minimum connection time of 90 minutes is recommended for these transits.
A key feature of YVR is the U.S. S. departures is standard, as security and preclearance queues can be significant during peak midday banks. Ground transportation to downtown Vancouver is exceptionally efficient via the Canada Line (SkyTrain), which departs from the terminal every 6 to 12 minutes and reaches Waterfront Station in just 25 minutes.
For many travelers on a single ticket (e.g., Air Canada), your bags will be transferred automatically, but you must still clear immigration and re-clear security. Arriving at the airport three hours before international or U. S. as a domestic passenger. To save time, utilize the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app or NEXUS if eligible. However, if your journey involves a transfer from an international flight to a domestic destination, you must clear Canada Customs (CBSA). Helpful amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, the iconic Bill Reid 'Spirit of Haida Gwaii' sculpture in the international terminal, and several premium lounges.
S. Customs and Immigration inspections in Vancouver, allowing you to arrive in the U. S. Transborder (E gates) areas under one roof. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, a connection time of 40 to 60 minutes is typically sufficient as you generally stay airside. Official taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft also have dedicated pickup zones on Level 2. Border Preclearance facility. If you are flying to the United States, you will undergo U.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Creston Valley Regional Airport, also known as Art Sutcliffe Field (CFQ), and identified by its TC LID CAJ3, is a crucial regional airport located 3.5 nautical miles south of Creston, British Columbia, Canada. Owned by the Town of Creston and operated by the Creston Valley Regional Airport Society, it serves as a vital hub for general aviation, air ambulance services, wildfire response, and local flight training. The airport plays a significant role in supporting the economic and emergency service needs of the Creston Valley community.
The airport features a functional terminal building that includes a comfortable pilot's lounge and washroom facilities. While there are no extensive commercial amenities like large retail stores or full-service restaurants, the terminal provides essential services for pilots and passengers. For added convenience, a meeting room with a capacity for up to 65 people is available, and a courtesy vehicle can be used for local transportation (reservations recommended). These facilities aim to provide a welcoming and efficient environment for all airport users.
Operational aspects at CFQ are comprehensive. The airport boasts a 3,944-foot paved runway (15/33) equipped with full-length runway lights, Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), and taxiway/apron lights, ensuring safe operations. It offers 24/7 Cardlock fuel for both 100LL (AVGAS) and Jet A, payable with major credit cards. An Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) provides continuous meteorological data. The airport supports aircraft on arrival examination (AOE/CANPASS) for international flights, and offers overnight grass tie-downs and designated air ambulance parking. These services highlight its importance as a well-equipped regional aviation facility.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Creston Valley Regional Airport (CFQ) is a uniquely reliable experience in the Kootenays, serving as a vital technical hub for general aviation and medevac flights. A paramount logistical tip: Creston operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time; this means it remains consistent with Alberta in winter and Arizona/Pacific time in summer. For pilots, the most critical 'connection' tip is the utilization of the 24/7 cardlock self-service fuel island, which provides both 100LL and Jet A via major credit cards. While the 3,944-foot asphalt runway (15/33) is well-maintained, be aware that grass tie-down areas can become exceptionally soft and unusable from February to late April due to spring snowmelt.
From a ground logistics standpoint, the airport offers a unique convenience: a courtesy car is typically available for pilots to access the town of Creston, located 6 km north. It is highly recommended to reserve this vehicle in advance by calling (250) 428-2733. While CFQ lacks scheduled commercial airline service, it is an authorized Airport of Entry (AOE/CANPASS) for international arrivals. If you are crossing from the United States, the Rykerts/Porthill border crossing is just 10 km south; however, ensure you have provided the required one-hour notice to CBSA or CBP before departure.
Travelers should also be mindful of the north-south valley wind patterns, which can create significant mountain-wave turbulence during frontal passages. For a comfortable wait, the terminal provides a quiet pilot lounge and snooze room, but no on-site dining; travelers should grab essentials in town. For frequent flyers in BC, CFQ remains a preferred technical stop where you can transition from cockpit to town center in under ten minutes.
โ Back to Vancouver International Airport