Vancouver Airport

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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!