Vancouver Airport

I use YVR every 2-3 years. Overall it is still amongst the best in terms of comfort courtesy and looks. For the first time I flew out late at night (Dec 9th at 1.15 am) and I was very disappointed to see pretty much all the restaurants closed even around 11 pm. Ones that were open had little selection. I understand that there aren't many flights departing at night but still. Also they had problems with bridge retracting that caused a 90 minute delay in departure (Chine Airlines to TPE). Upon arrival around 6 pm two or three big jets landed and the immigration lines were horrendous. That whole area seems to be a bit too small already. Having said that the staff kept things organized and in order fairly well. Apart from the above things I think YVR is a pleasure each time.

All in all a good experience with an only minus rude check in staff for the flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles towards most of the passengers. Modern airport and clean. Waiting at passport control longer than usual but not too bad. Good train transport to the city center.

Connected here from YYC-LAX a long walk to US customs but it was fast and security was even faster. Really good variety of shops and restaurants were descent I have been to airports with better and worse choices of restaurants. Really nice art and it was very open. If I had to connect to an airport in Canada it would be Vancouver.

In the past we have flown directly in and out of Vancouver. This time we connected there as part of our Comox to San Francisco trip. I was not so impressed this time. We had no problem heading out. Even went through US Customs on the way and the waits were all reasonable. We made our connecting flight with time to spare. Our return trip was not so easy. In San Francisco we were given a brief explanation about getting our luggage near Canada Customs and having to transfer it ourselves. Once through Customs (the line was very short so there was no problem - but getting there from the plane was a long walk) on the way to picking up our luggage we asked one of the information people (right beside carousel 25) about getting our luggage to our connecting flight. She was totally useless!!! She told us we had to exit the terminal and go back in to the check-in area. That made no sense to us. My daughter had noticed the sign for connecting flights in Canada and that made more sense to me. Of course the helper overheard us and then asked for our boarding cards and then changed her mind and agreed with us! Not much good when the helper is being told what to do by the ones who asked her the question. Thankfully going through the Canada Connections was correct and we sent our luggage on and made it to our connecting flight with no more problems.

Left YVR for PEK on 23/8/13 10.00. The airport is modern and efficient. Only issue that when one has passed through passport control to make use of the facilities no alcohol is available until 10.00 in my case the departure time of the flight. Staff in the lounge were very apologetic and mentioned several complaints from pax. Apparently although airside still subject to domestic licensing regs. Crazy for an international airport with pax on different time zones etc. (Lounge staff did suggest the restaurant may be more accommodating but was still closed when I boarded at 09.30).

I arrived at the airport from Frankfurt with connecting flight to Portland. It seems bizarre to go through Canadian immigration and customs for an international flight connection. Lines were long with staff very unfriendly. I was sent to the interview room where it felt like no one wanted to do any work. It took more than 45 minutes for 3-4 people with mostly waiting in line and not knowing if (and when) anyone will show up. There are no clear signs for connecting flights and no one to provide information. After visiting other international airports Vancouver feels like it does not belong.

Nice airport. Customs was a breeze as was the baggage claim. Long walk from gate to baggage and Customs. Clean bathrooms. Arrived from Newark Airport in June 2013 via Air Canada. Friendly staff stationed along the corridor to give directions. Signage for the "Canada Line" train into Vancouver needs to be more obvious and clear. Only C$9 to downtown Vancouver's Waterfront Station near all major hotels and the cruise ship terminal.

Everything is easily accessible easy to find excellent staff and surely the most beautiful airport in the world with all the artwork. It is not just about shopping like the Asian airports.

Vancouver Airport was visually beautiful with artwork and wonderful sculptures in Native Canadian style big open spaces and huge windows. Everything is kept immaculate from the bathrooms to the floors to the staff themselves. Speaking of staff every single member was polite and well groomed though some could have been a little friendlier and smiled more frequently/sincerely. Food and entertainment options were vast and of good quality and the couches dotted around the airport were convenient as one of our family was travelling with a pulled hamstring. The adjacent train station with a city loop going every few minutes gave us an opportunity to sightsee around Vancouver during a long layover. Queuing times were faster than expected and very efficient. Probably the best airport I've visited.

Arrived from Auckland. Excellent people flow and signage from gate to immigration. Stunning Coast Salish art natural installations and accoutrements. Machines for Canadians very quick. Bags took an unusually long time - waited almost 30 minutes for my bag to come out. The passenger pick up area should be doubled in length since it accommodates perhaps 10 cars at time. Still a great airport.