Spring Break may not officially start until Monday, but the Spring Break crush at Kelowna airport starts tomorrow.
Many families like to get a jump on the two weeks off school by hopping on a jet the Thursday, Friday and weekend before Spring Break to escape to a sun destination or visit friends and relatives across the country.
As such, Kelowna International is expecting more than 120,000 passengers through the airport March 13-20.
That kind of traffic is right up there with how busy it is over Christmas and summer long weekends.
Photo credit: NowMedia fileExpect long line ups for security and a busy departure lounge.
Kelowna airport is prepping Spring Breakers with advisories that it will be more frantic than usual, but with some planning and the right attitude everything should go smoothly.
There will be longer than normal wait times at check-in counters, security and boarding, so plan accordingly and arrive at the airport early and be patient.
The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
In an effort to speed things up at the airport, check-in online at home before you even depart for the airport so you have your boarding pass, have paid any additional fees and validated your passport information, if applicable.
That way you can arrive at the airport and save time by not having to wait to get your boarding pass at the check-in counter.
If you're checking luggage, you can go straight to the bag drop.
Or, better yet, pack only a carry-on bag so you can go directly to the security line with your boarding pass.
Photo credit: NowMedia fileExpect long line ups for security and a busy departure lounge.
Verify what you can bring on board beforehand (usually a carry-on suitcase that can fit in the overhead bin and small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you).
Let's backtrack a bit and discuss how you're going to get to the airport.
Parking at the airport will be tight, and might even fill up completely over Spring Break, so consider having a friend, relative or neighbour drop you off or take a taxi, Uride or Uber, public transit or shuttle.
Keep everything efficient in the security line by having all liquids and gels in containers of 100 ml or less in the sanctioned clear plastic bag and ready to put in the bins that go through the x-ray machine along with your laptop.
Confirm and bring what you're going to need for identification to board the plane — government-issued photo ID like a driver's licence or passport for domestic flights and definitely a valid passport for flights to the US, Mexico and farther abroad.
The key in all this is to prepare and have an awesome Spring Break.
More travel trips here: https://ylw.kelowna.ca/
You can also check the airport's website for real information on security line wait times and how many parking spots are left in short-term and long-term lots.
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Photo credit: Kelowna International AirportKelowna airport will be a busy place over Spring Break.
