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VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  18 June 2010 by Harry Holden   (UK)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Arrival at BA standard gate (64) and an awfully long walk to immigration (although there are moving walkways). Immigration fast, and while not friendly, certainly not grumpy like in some countries. I suppose they all have a job to do. Luggage wait of about 15 minutes after clearing immigration. Arrivals hall well appointed with a well-staffed information desk as you exit the lane. Canada Line (train) to city centre fantastic. Overall, was in hotel room downtown within an hour of landing. Cannot imagine ever claiming this when arriving at LHR! Departure was as smooth. BA First lounge at YVR was small. Do not go there for something to eat if you are hungry. Only food offerings were crisps and biscuits. Plenty of liquid refreshment though. Overall, fantastic experience for a large international and national airport.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  27 May 2010 by Chris Belometti   (Switzerland)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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The airport itself (Terminal M - international) is nice and fairly clean. Vancouver is a relaxing, chilled airport. If you're travelling international, my tip is to head to the lounge bar for a snack or some drinks just before the gate waiting areas. There are plenty of shopping opportunities available after security (not a big variety of restaurants though). I find myself at YVR very often and I only have troubles at customs which can sometimes be very frustrating. Agents are tough and they always ask me very personal, sometimes unpleasant questions.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  3 April 2010 by K Winters   (USA)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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Very unhappy with security at YVR. Borderline obnoxious and way over the top with their ridiculous efforts. Extremely slow. Felt it necessary to unpack every bag piece by piece. Humiliating and unnecessary. I hate flying out of YVR and would avoid it if I could. Also, lack of restaurants after you get thru security (2 hours later) is not acceptable.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  22 March 2010 by K Nguyen   (Canada)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Departing in the transborder terminal was fast and easy. there were no ques at the customs and immigrations and the pre clearance facility was excellent. Boarding was fast and easy and the signage was easy to follow.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  14 January 2010 by Nigel Hirst   (UK)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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International arrivals top notch. Walked straight through to immigration via dedicated channel for visitors to Canada. Shown the way by smart Red coated "greeters". What a change from my last visit which was horrendous in terms of treatment by immigration and customs and excise. T Domestic departure not so pleasant.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT customer review :  7 December 2009 by Johannes Ziegler   (Germany)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Very open with lots of natural sunlight, and everything from forests, waterfalls, an aquarium, and well chosen sculptures to provide a proper welcome to the region. Full range of stores and services available, even a dentist's office. The metro can take you right from the airport to your downtown hotel in about 20 minutes.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review :  26 November 2009 by G Cinel   (Canada)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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A lot of the complaints here relate to the customs agents and other matters for which the airport operator is not directly responsible. The airport itself is attractive and reasonably well organized. Having arrived at Kansai many times I am at a loss to explain its ranking. YVR aesthetics are far superior.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review :  7 October 2009 by Mark Hall   (UK)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Arrival from London. The experience was great : well sign posted, clean terminal, our baggage virtually waiting for us as we came through, immigration polite and no queues - everything about it swift and pleasant. We were in the domestic terminal and walking to the gate of a our connecting flight in just 35 minutes from landing! Compare that to needing the full 2 two hour connecting time from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Heathrow to comfortably catch the Vancouver flight.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review :  26 September 2009 by John Oram   (UK)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Our departure was almost as good as our arrival. The quality of the airport supports a wonderful city. The departure processes were done a little better than in some other places. The terminal is attractive and the assistant in the Olympic Boutique was charming.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review :  24 September 2009 by Ravi Mene   (UK)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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This was our first visit to Vancouver and we arrived by BA at 1845. The airport appeared very quiet, calm and serene. The walk from the plane to immigration area was very long, once in the arrivals hall the ambience was very pleasant, lots of greenery and water fall features. The immigration process was quick and efficient, baggage recovery smooth and we were on our way. After having read some of the horror stories about immigration delays and surprised at the efficiency and promptness of the officials.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review :  19 September 2009 by John Oram   (UK)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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I felt puzzled at the recent mixed reviews of YVR based on my own arrival there. Yes, it is a walk from the gate to immigration but no more so than many large airports these days and it is through a bright, clean and imaginatively decorated terminal. There was no wait at immigration and we were well treated. We were allowed to go through as a couple which would not happen further south. Baggage delivery was swift. We were in our taxi and headed downtown before even our scheduled arrival time. YVR gets absolutely top marks for multi-lingual signs. English, French and Japanese with some Punjabi and Chinese. My only complaint – although I was not personally affected – is that, just like America, they have no concept of transit passengers thus creating a totally unnecessary workload for both passengers and staff in recovering baggage and going through pointless customs and immigration procedures.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 5 September 2009 by Kevin Tunnicliffe

Customer Rating : 4/5

Easy to use and friendly, helpful staff. Very strange though that on my last two visits as a transit passenger I had to go through the full immigration process even though I was not staying in Canada or leaving the airport!

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 2 September 2009 by M Zhang

Customer Rating : 5/5

Vancouver Airport is clean and passing through baggage claim was a breeze for me. The airport is not very big, and I find most of the things very convenient. Parking is great and does not cost a lot, and there are cabs to take out of the airport for about $20-$35. The signs were very clear for me, so I knew which way to go and not get confused. All in all, I think the airport is excellent in Vancouver!

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 31 July 2009 by A Gurevich

Customer Rating : 2/5

I would like to add a comment in support of all the complaints regarding the amount of walking that has to be done when arriving from the U.S. for an international departure (and I assume vice-versa). I paced it last time and from the Air Canada Jazz gate to the customs and immigration line was 1000+ meters/almost 2/3 mile. So if you're on a tight turn or are infirm or not able to walk long distances, just the walk is an issue. Then when you get through the inbound customs, it's another couple hundred meters to check-in/security outbound. And the idea that they have a huge international departure concourse, but you cannot get into it without entering Canada first, is ridiculous. if you can avoid this airport do so, unless you need the hassle and exercise.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 31 July 2009 by Frank McKenzie

Customer Rating : 2/5

Flew out of Vancouver airport to USA (SFO) on a Sunday morning - a nightmare! Check in was reasonable if somewhat unfriendly. Then a LONG zigzag queue which moved VERY slowly - 30+min to get through immigration. With such a slow throughput I was amazed to find the same again for security - 30min this time. Although travelling to USA we were told that we could not access the executive lounge because it was for international departures only! Very poor signage – difficult to navigate. Make sure you arrive a long time before your flight. Reckon it will be chaos for the Olympics next year.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 13 July 2009 by P Lindau

Customer Rating : 5/5

Very easy to navigate with clear signage and even free WiFi. It is great to see they're putting in a light rail line in preparation for the Winter Olympics next year, and this they say should be ready in the next 2-3 months. Otherwise a cab is for only $25-30 CAD, or the Airporter Shuttle (which I would not recommend as it is often delayed/off-schedule) if you aren't in a rush.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 8 June 2009 : by Alex Buenafe

Customer Rating : 3/5

The switch from domestic to international is a killer. One has to walk a long ways to get from one to the other. One major issue I had was the security going into the international section. The return trip is always a hassle since one has to walk a long way to get to immigration with only one line that snakes around to get to an immigration agent. Then pick up your bags at the carousel to go through customs. And then drop it off at another carousel. After one goes upstairs to get to the domestic side, and walk to the other side of the terminal. I wonder what it would be like during the Vancouver Olympics.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 15 April 2009 : by D Vaughan

Customer Rating : 2/5

Vancouver is a beautiful airport as long as you are departing. Arriving in Vancouver on an International Flight and then spend up to three hours to go through Customs, is a disgraceful situation. It is terribly hard on most people and especially those who are elderly or have health problems, to shuffle along for hours at a time at the end of a very long journey. There are too many international and other flights arriving all at the same time with big gaps throughout the day when I suspect the staff is minimum and planes are not arriving.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 6 January 2009 : by L Carvalho

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived on AC02 from Tokyo, connecting to YYZ. No AC agent at arrival despite having had to wait 30 min on the tarmac (apparently due to JAL flight security issue) - once past immigration and customs, somewhat unclear pathway for (within Canada) connecting passengers. Gate 50 horribly crowded ; poor boarding procedure by AC staff - seemingly unable to "control mad rush for the doors" and provide civilized advance boarding for exec/Elite passengers - this is a common problem with many AC flights.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 31 December 2008 : by E Giesbrecht

Customer Rating : 5/5

Extremely satisfied every time with the services received at YVR. For the most part the facilities are kept clean, there's a good variety of food services and retail boutiques, and there has always been sufficient staffing to avoid lengthy delays for check-in and customs.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 7 November 2008 : by Rory McEvoy

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived YVR at 0932 from NRT en route to YYZ on rerouted AC-002. Despite the fact that we landed three minutes after the JAL flight the line for immigration only took 15 minutes and we were treated well. Same for customs who seem to have an excellent system to facilitate connecting passengers. Then everything fell apart! We had to join a security screening line for transit passengers. This area had only one (x-ray?) screening machine when we went through it around 1030. To make matters worse, whenever anything suspicious was detected the operator (middle-aged white male) stopped everything to personally inspect the bags in question! Utterly ridiculous! Why YVR management allows this terrible bottleneck to cast a blight on an otherwise excellent airport is incomprehensible! This airport would have rated a 4.5 but the security handling for transit passengers bumps it way down to 3.0!

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 2 September 2008 : by Paul Teeuwen

Customer Rating : 4/5

International arrival from Amsterdam: smooth handling from customs to luggage, although with full flights on a MD-11 or B747 the time difference if your suitcase is the first or the last can be 20 minutes (but that is true in every airport). On departure to Amsterdam also everything good. Nice departures area. Some building activities now to prepare for 2010 Olympics (including new metro line to the city), but no major hassle for me.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 15 August 2008 : by D Wong

Customer Rating : 4/5

The ambience is the first thing I notice about Vancouver airport - very nice. That said, lines in arrivals for immigration, while well-organized enough, are appalling during peak periods. Not terribly impressed by the efficiency or attitude of the Canadian Customs agents either. Arrival area space in the international terminal also seems to be inadequate given the crowds of people waiting to welcome family and relatives arriving from Asia. Overall, despite the hassles at arrivals, this ranks as one of my favorite airports to travel through.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 2 August 2008 : by D Balinowski

Customer Rating : 5/5

The creeks and waterfalls make for a peaceful arrival after a long flight. We had the misfortune of dealing with a rude border agent. He couldn't understand how we could be holding Canadian passports yet living in the US. The terminal is undergoing some construction work on the domestic and international site, but it's all for the greater good.

VANCOUVER AIRPORT review : 1 May 2008 : by J Buchanan

Customer Rating : 3/5

Parking, long term and short term adequate, could be greatly improved. Pickup of passengers poor, no car waiting area, no space for luggage carts. International Checkin inadequate space for checkin, queues too long, poor layout, takes too long unless business class checkin. Shopping, facilities - average, asian oriented food. Security check poor, congested, no fast track. International departure area excellent ambience, reasonable facilities. International Arrivals - pleasant first impression, distance to customs, reasonable, Customs/passport long lines, no fast track. Overall, not very good, takes on average 1 hour from gate arrival to exit.

Vancouver Airport review by H Leong

2 April 2008   Customer Rating :

Only been to the international terminal, and it looks promising. One of the nicest interiors I've seen with numerous water features, angled lighting, an aquarium, and plenty of trees. Architecture is modern and attractive. Not the biggest fan of the baggage claim area/service; the hall is rather cramped and it took 15-20 minutes to get our luggage - could be better. The lines at the customs are also rather long as there are only around a dozen counters (of which only two thirds are for international arrivals) and countless flights coming in all the time; check-in queues are also on the long side (but not unreasonable). Also, more seating areas in the departures area outside of the gates would not go amiss. On a more positive note, eating/shopping options are reasonably impressive, and the staff are generally polite. The terminal is also bright and quite spacious throughout. Once outside, there are limos, taxis, and buses that will take you to the city center within 45 minutes, and also coaches that take you south to Washington. Apart from under-par customs and some other services somewhat lacking in organization (inefficient baggage handling and check- in), YVR is a very pleasant airport to spend time in.

Vancouver Airport review by L Hurst

25 February 2008   Customer Rating :

I arrived on an international AC flight from Sydney and departing on a domestic AC flight to Toronto. Slightly outrageous walk from international arrival to domestic check-in and then back to international departure . But the walk was welcomed after a 14 hour flight! Only major query is: Why is Tim Hortons the furthest coffee shop away from check-in and arrivals?

Vancouver Airport review by S Brown

12 February 2008   Customer Rating :

Being through this airport many times it looks nice on the surface but services are not what one would expect in a first class airport. When departing the airport the services are very nice with beautiful lounges in the domestic, international and transborder areas. Although the departure services are good the arrival services are lacking. When arriving at customs from a recent flight arriving from London I was surprised that the airport has still not decided to create a fast track line for business class passengers. This crucial step in making an airport good is missing at YVR and I cannot understand why?

Vancouver Airport review by W Fowler

12 February 2008   Customer Rating :

YVR is the best North American airport I have been through. It has some nice waterfalls and a real nature-like feel to it. I also liked the odd Canadian souvenir shops. Going through US customs was slightly slower than expected, but that is my only gripe about Vancouver. It's the only North American airport on par with many of those in East Asia.

Vancouver Airport review by Frank Winter

10 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Agree with last comment by G Stephens. Although not a world class airport such as Singapore Changi, this is a very nice airport. Nice architecture (feels quite cozy), no long walks, immigration was a breeze, average wait for luggage. For smokers, they still have a smoking room. Very good food court just before immigration, coin-operated internet PCs everywhere in departure area (1 CAD/12 minutes, a bit slow but ok), nice shops. We departed Thursday Jan 4 at 4 pm to Hong Kong and the gates were literally empty (besides our flight). Overall pretty good.

Vancouver Airport review by G Stephens

16 December 2007   Customer Rating :

Light airy architecture, friendly airport staff, efficient inbound baggage service, a range of restaurants offering simple fast food in the court to the Fairmont's first class fare. In addition, parking is a breeze. I recommend YVR's Park 'N 'Fly establishment for it's efficient friendly and reasonably priced service. My only complaint, the departure lounges run by the airlines could use an upgrade in the services they provide business and first class passengers.

Vancouver Airport review by William Reeve

17 October 2007   Customer Rating :

Vancouver's airport would rank as okay on my list but nothing wonderful -- it is mediocre like many Canadian institutions and facilities. The messy crowded access from the parking garage, always bad, is now made worse by ongoing construction of the new light rail station (Canada Line). It is a very negative feature at the beginning and end of each visit to the airport. That the parking ticket machines often do not work properly is even more frustrating. Parking itself is not good; the vehicle circulation in the parking garage is poor. The poor design and layout and the inadequate staffing of the immigration section makes entry into Canada at YVR a miserable experience. How come it is slower and more frustrating than arrival at Narita, Kansai or HK – or even CDG! The Immigration Officers are very nice, in my experience, but the logistics are bad. The apparently endless construction between the domestic and international zones of YVR and the very long walk involved also give a bad impression.

Vancouver Airport review by M Tay

9 October 2007   Customer Rating :

Overall, this was a good airport - almost pleasant to spend time in. However, in my experience, Vancouver definitely has a split personality. The Domestic Terminal and most of the International Terminal is great. Good facilities, helpful staff, varied eating options and comfortable (for an airport) seating. This tends to highlight the disappointing part of the international terminal that deals with flights to the USA. Here, there's a distinct sense of paranoia and mistrust. Admittedly, I haven't used the parking here, so can't speak to that part of the airport, but I liked this one.

Vancouver Airport review by Nathan Fotheringill

19 August 2007   Customer Rating :

Passing through immigration and baggage reclaim was a breeze on the way in - arriving on a Saturday evening meant the place was quiet. Our departure was also at a quiet time - 22:00 which meant the departure area was sparsely occupied and we flew through security. The lounge itself is tastefully decorated and the artificial stream and fish tank lend it a relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of duty free shops in which to while away the time along with a number of eateries. Most of these are of the fast food variety but there is one bar with waiter service which serves food typical of what you find downtown at similar prices. The quality was good. The gate area was spacious and bright with more than enough seating. All the staff we dealt with were polite and courteous in marked contrast to those at YYZ last year. All in all, it deserves the five stars.

Vancouver Airport review by Rob Payne

6 July 2007   Customer Rating :

Travelled in and out in June from/to London with BA. Great airport, lots of space. However, lots of building work outside due to the building of a light railway system due to be finished in 2009. Great hotel on site (Fairmont). On the 28th when we departed, why on earth close a large porportion of the International departure lounge including the food court. I know something was going on, maybe an event, but the airport was quite busy and it put an unfair pressure on the facilities left and your customers/passengers. Stetched Limo into downtown cost us $49 from outside arrivals and took about 50 mins, again lots of road works. Public transport is available but if you have luggage, do not use the buses 424/'B-line', they get full and there is no luggage facility. I think there is an airporter bus or use taxis. We had a meal at the Koho Restaurant (before security), it was reasonably priced and surprisingly for an airport. Would of had 5 star if they hadn't closed restricted the departure area!