YVR Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Vancouver Airport
Checking in at Vancouver Airport departures is an easy and streamlined process. You can choose to check in online up to 24-48 hours before your flight, depending on your airline, or you can use the check-in desks at the airport. If you have large luggage items to check at Vancouver International Airport departures, we suggest checking in at the airport at the same time. The international and domestic check-in areas are connected, with the domestic desks on the left and international desks on the right. To keep an eye on departures from Vancouver Airport, you can use our handy Vancouver Airport Departures Tracker above to stay up to date with any delays.
Domestic check-in desk location – Level 3 of the Main Passenger Terminal building on the right-hand side.
International check-in desk location – Level 3 of the Main Passenger Terminal, to the left-hand side.
When to arrive at Vancouver Airport?
Your arrival time to Vancouver Airport departures will depend if you’re taking a domestic or international flight. For domestic travel, around 2 hours is enough time before your flight. For international travel, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight’s departure time.
*It’s important to check exact arrival times with your airline or travel agent directly.
What’s next?
After you’ve received your boarding pass and checked any large luggage, you’ll proceed to the Security Checkpoint. A security officer will ask to see your passport and boarding pass, either a printed copy or an electronic version on your phone. Once verified, you’ll join the line for one of the main security screening areas.
When you reach the front of the line, place all of your personal items into the bins provided. Make sure to empty your pockets—this includes small items like keys, loose change, and your phone. At this stage, all liquids must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less, or they will be discarded. Your items will go through the X-ray scanner, and you’ll walk through a body scanner. On the other side, you can collect your belongings.
Once you’ve gathered all your items, you’ll enter the Vancouver International Airport Departures Hall. Large screens will display your flight’s gate number, status, and any updates or delays.
What to do in Departures at Vancouver Airport?
There are so many modern amenities and sources of entertainment to keep you busy in departures at Vancouver Airport, no matter if you’re flying from the Domestic or International Terminal. Spacious bathrooms, baby changing facilities, and pet-relief stations will keep you and your loved ones comfortable. While the many Vancouver International Airport departures restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go eateries will keep you satisfied. There are also airport lounges – like the Plaza Premium and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Duty-Free shops, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Departures Hall, so you can stay entertained and relaxed before your flight.
*For more things to see and do in Vancouver Airport departures, you can also explore our complete Vancouver Airport Departures Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Vancouver Airport?
Arriving around 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight is recommended. However, it’s important to check exact arrival times with your airline directly.