Quebec City Airport

Small and easy to get around. Check-in and security took longer than any airport I've been to. The terminal looks bland and not exciting. Overall not the best airport I've been to but it wasn't busy which is good.

The new Terminal looks great but has a few things that need smoothing out. Though I was booked on a domestic flight and the airport was not very busy (it seldom is) the security process was considerably longer and more annoyinglthan those I have encountered anywhere in international travel. Also my main bag which has traveled all over the world was considered "over sized" at YQB. I asked why and they admitted it was because of their new "system" and would not likely be designated so anywhere else. The public restaurant was terrible which is not typical of Quebec. Otherwise YQB is wonderfully Quebecois friendly and charming. The Business Class lounge is possibly the very best small airport lounge ever and well stocked with things like warm cheeses fruit and fresh baguettes.

Pleasant small airport. Relatively long and narrow rather like a smaller version of Ottawa if you have seen that. It does not have pre-clearance for USA flights at present which is a disadvantage but does post when and where check in will commence for those not using the self check machines a real benefit which many airports ignore. (Is it two hours or an hour before line up and wait.) Before check in facilities are limited with a small Tim Horton's cafe. I found the security settings on the scanners to be set abnormally high with very many passengers beeping for no reason and most having to be body searched. Inside there is a larger cafe a shop and a duty free shop and a small lounge for AC passengers. Plenty of seats too. Canadian Immigration seem to be taking their tone from their USA cofreres at best humourless or offhand and at worse rude which contrasts markedly with the other airport staff and indeed the Canadian community in general. Here they do not have the excuse that they have continuous long queues unlike at most USA ports of entry to explain the attitude as the small volume of flights arriving do not strain the facilities.

With the new terminal in operation it is an easy to use airport. It is small enough that there are no long walks to anywhere and fast to get through all the requirements onto the plane and the facilities are modern and clean. The personal is efficient and pleasant - probably over-capacity for the time and it is noticeable. I am sitting in the Air Canada lounge which is well equipped and very pleasant watching how the fuel-truck and luggage trailers are already lined up while the plane is just pulling in. This airport makes it easy to get in and out of Quebec City.

New terminal is now operational. It's simple and small but looks great. The locals tell me that the luggage carousel is a great improvement over the past. It's a fitting move for the 400th birthday of the city.

Currently under renovations. If you fly domestic and thought about having a snack prior to board the plane think again. The restaurant is cafeteria style and on the general public side. Once on the secure area (do not forget liquid more than 100ml are prohibited) your choice is limited to a junk food distributor and pops (Pepsi) at $2.50 a 591 ml bottle. I did not see the International side but sources say it is OK.