Edmonton Airport

Edmonton International Airport is a wonderful mid-sized facility. After its expansion and renovation the airport now sports a brilliantly clean modern open and airy look that is refreshing after coming off a long flight. 3-story atriums with vaulted ceilings and floor-ceiling windows mark the wide and rarely-crowded departure halls. Services at the airport are also impressive for a facility of its size with many good shops and restaurants and great touches like an observation deck free power outlets and desks for those with a laptop. I also like this airport for its lack of crowds (with exception to the mornings). Compared to the maddening masses at the big hubs Edmonton is one airport which has actually not maxed out its capacity yet but has in fact already built to accommodate further growth. The only downside is the distance to the city. A taxi can cost over C$40 (US$32) though there are shuttles which charge less than half that and when push comes to shove it very rarely takes over 35 minutes to get downtown.

I was through Edmonton Int'l Airport a few weeks ago for the first time in about 8 months. I was shocked at the improvement. It is extremely well-lit and spacious. Very easy to clear security and move around post-security. The only things lacking were decent shops and amenities. But for a small airport they're certainly adequate.

I was slightly apprehensive about centralizing security for both terminals but have been pleasantly surprised. The security check is actually quicker than it used to be and the boarding area is inviting and comfortable with some nice shops and services. (Love the fireplace!) Just one thing for the whiners who insist there's only room for one international airport in Alberta - could you please try to cite a reputable source in the future?

The new Edmonton International terminal is beautiful but comes at a price of $15 added to your domestic airline ticket (the taxes on air travel in this country are absolutely ridiculous). The terminal has a lovely fireplace area is spacious and welcoming. AC check in kiosks are great wonder why more people don't use them and stand in a line instead? Security was quick and friendly and they did an explosives test on my backpack and wanted to know my personal info. (kind of alarmed me). Luckily the airport has retained a viewing area although it is not as wonderful as the one in the older terminal. Shops and restaurants abound.

The new terminal is spectacular. Also very efficient. The number of flights and usage of the airport is increasing (unlike Calgary or Vancouver) hence the time is just right for a new terminal.

The new terminal in Edmonton is very pleasant. One wonders however why this terminal was necessary as it seems completely underused. Just because a new terminal is built does not mean that the flights will come. There is only room for one airhub in Alberta and that is Calgary (unfortunately). The security is admirable to the point of ludicrous.

I recently visited Edmonton International Airport when I was travelling up north from the United States. I was presently surprised by this modern airport and the ease of moving from the passenger terminal to the car rental facilities. Compared to other airports I have visited in Canada and the United States Edmonton's had a very up scale feel to it. I wish there were more flights operated out of this airport.