New YYC International Terminal - Opens Oct 31/16
I did one of the trials for the new terminal today, and it is absolutely stunning. Got to see both the International and US areas, as well as parts of the new Marriott (which is now open to the public). Here are some highlights:
- Very few services landside. A Tim Hortons on the Departures level, and a Starbucks and (very nice looking) bar/lounge in Arrivals. That's it.
- Dedicated priority check-in area for AC. Nothing fancy, but separate glassed in area. About 6-8 desks total, 2 of which were already labelled SE 100K.
- Rest of check in zones are common use, and easily changeable to any airline. All signage is digital, including large LED displays to identify each airlines check-in zone.
- State of the art security facilities for both departure zones. Separate Trusted Traveller entrances at each, as well as permanent signage for Priority Access. Security lanes have automatic bin return systems, and each belt had 4 "loading zones". So you step up into the zone, grab your trays from the conveyer below, then load onto the line when you're ready. Bins were notably larger than any other security facility I've been to.
- Both US and Canadian Customs Halls are fully automated. Around 50 kiosks in each area for automated passport scan, declaration. Dedicated Connections counter in CDN hall for passengers connecting Int'l to US or vice versa. It's a hike from most gates to the Customs Hall, it'll take some folks up to 10 minutes. The good news is that the halls are wide, so room to get by pokey tourists.
- Int'l/US to Domestic connections area right outside Customs exit. Bags are dropped with agent, then passengers are directed up to a security checkpoint that exits into Domestic zone C (AC area). As well, there appears to be 2 flex gates in the int'l area that can be boarded as either Int'l or Domestic (Gates C/D 70 & 71), with separate boarding podiums that lead into the same jetbridge.
- Domestic to US connections are vastly improved. There is now an airside connections corridor (beside new gates C70/71), you scan your boarding pass, identify your luggage, proceed through a security check, then to US Customs, who will then require you to identify your bag again. Once your through that, you're done. Much like the YVR model. Even passengers travelling on Westjet will have this capability, through the new Connections Corridor, which connects all Domestic area of the terminal, with a golf car like service if you can't/don't feel like walking.
- Both new zones appear to be modelled on the central seating area model, as opposed to seating at every gate. It seems like the plan is that gates will only be announced just prior to boarding, and passengers wait in the central area until that time. There are big information desks with huge gate info monitors as soon as you exit security in each area.
- There are Aspire brand lounges in each area. I didn't get a chance to go in, but at least the Int'l lounge is accessed by elevator, so it may have some great views.
- Tons of shops and food options in each area. Int'l had Starbucks, a handful of fast food (Thai Express, A&W, Subway, Jugo Juice), as well as a nice looking sit down lounge (Vin Room), and I think a Chili's. US had similar fast food (BK instead of A&W), and the sit down was the "Belgian Beer Bar"
- Some gates are clustered to allow for sharing of podiums (i.e D76-79 all shared 5 or 6 podiums)
Overall, the terminal is big, bright and airy. It's night and day from the current facilities, and the nicest terminal in the country hands down. If you get a chance to transit through, absolutely do. As well, the Marriott has great views of the tarmac, downtown and the mountains. Looks like a great hotel.
I asked YYC if domestic passengers will have access to the international portion of the terminal. I'll update if I get an answer. I really hope so, the choices in the AC area are pretty dismal. You'd have to assume they'll start updating other portions of the terminal once this is up and running.