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Kelowna Airport YLW

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Kelowna Airport (YLW) Guide

Discover Kelowna Airport (YLW), the scenic gateway to Canada's Okanagan Valley, renowned for its unique floating bridge viewable during takeoff and landing. Ideal for those visiting for wine tours or ski adventures, our guide simplifies your travel with essential information.

Our Comprehensive Airport Guide at YLW offers everything from flight updates to parking, ensuring a seamless journey from home to gate. Dive into our guide for terminal details, dining, shopping, and more, making your travel experience effortless.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Kelowna Airport (YLW) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

YLW Airport, with the airport code YLW, has one terminal building that houses both domestic and international flights. The terminal has two levels, with the arrivals area located on the lower level and the departures area on the upper level. The terminal has a total of 10 gates, with gates 1-5 located on the lower level and gates 6-10 located on the upper level.

Major airlines that use the airport include Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines. These airlines operate flights to popular destinations such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton.

When navigating the terminal, passengers can find check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints on the upper level. The lower level houses the airport's restaurants, shops, and other services.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Kelowna Airport has one terminal building that houses all of its facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. The terminal is easily accessible and conveniently located for all passengers. There is no need to worry about getting between terminals as there is only one.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times while waiting for passengers.

If drivers need to wait for their arriving passengers, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas available. These areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers arrive and are ready to be picked up. The cell-phone waiting areas are located just a short distance from the terminal building, and drivers can easily access them by following the signs.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Kelowna Airport, you'll find a range of parking options to suit your needs. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking options available, with both covered and uncovered parking garages. The short-term parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal building, while the long-term parking lot is located a short walk away.

If you're picking someone up from the airport, there is a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in both the short-term and long-term parking lots, with designated spaces located close to the terminal building.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice for travelers.

Get details about Kelowna Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

YLW, located in Canada, offers several ground transportation options for travelers.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These rental car companies have their counters located in the arrivals area of the airport, making it easy for travelers to rent a car upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the terminal. Fare rates vary depending on the destination, and it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at YLW Airport. These services have designated pickup areas outside of the terminal, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are a convenient option for travelers who do not want to rent a car or take a taxi. These shuttles operate on a schedule, with pickup areas located outside of the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination and the shuttle company.

Public transportation options are also available at the airport. The Kelowna Regional Transit System operates buses that connect the airport to various destinations in the city. The bus stop is located outside of the terminal, and fares can be paid in cash or with a transit pass.

Airport Hotels

When traveling, the convenience of staying close to the airport is unmatched. Our guide presents a selection of hotels that are conveniently located near the airport, each offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and amenities to cater to the diverse needs of air travelers. The hotels range from luxury lodges to cozy condos, each providing a range of amenities such as complimentary WiFi, airport shuttles, fitness centers, and more. Many of these accommodations are also located within close proximity to local attractions, allowing guests to explore the beautiful city with ease. Whether you are a business traveler in need of a well-equipped room, a leisure traveler seeking relaxation, or a golf enthusiast looking for a hotel near the course, you will find a suitable option in this list of YLW Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Kelowna Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Tim Hortons or Starbucks, both located near the departure gates. If you have more time to spare, check out White Spot, a popular Canadian restaurant chain, located in the main terminal. They offer a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, and breakfast items.

For shopping, there are several stores to browse through. For souvenirs and gifts, visit The Loop Duty-Free or the Okanagan Estate Wine Cellar, where you can purchase local wines and spirits. If you're in need of some reading material, head to Relay, a newsstand that offers a wide selection of magazines, newspapers, and books. Lastly, if you need any last-minute travel essentials, such as headphones or charging cables, visit the Best Buy Express kiosk located near the departure gates.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at YLW can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

Kelowna Airport, located in Canada, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of the terminal building.

Traveling with children? There are designated play areas located throughout the airport to keep your little ones entertained. Additionally, special-needs services are available to assist those with disabilities or mobility issues.

If you need to access banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange services available in the terminal building. Medical help is also available on-site, with a first aid station located near the baggage claim area.

Overall, Kelowna Airport strives to provide excellent passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at YLW in Canada.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information. Simply locate the display for your flight and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Passengers can also opt to receive updates via text or email.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at YLW Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are during holidays and weekends, so it is best to avoid these times if possible. Additionally, passengers should allow extra time for parking, check-in, and security screening.

Getting to the Airport

Kelowna Airport is located approximately 11 kilometers north of downtown Kelowna. The best way to get to the airport is by car or taxi. There are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking. Passengers can also take advantage of the airport shuttle service or public transportation, which includes bus and taxi services.

Getting Oriented

Passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented at Kelowna Airport. The maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of terminals, gates, and services such as restaurants and shops. Passengers can also use the maps to find their way to parking areas and ground transportation options.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at YLW, passengers should arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening. Passengers should also check their flight status before leaving for the airport and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays. Additionally, passengers should pack their carry-on bags carefully and follow all TSA guidelines to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport, with the airport code YLW, is located in Canada. It serves the city of Kelowna and the surrounding areas in British Columbia. The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.

On average, Kelowna Airport handles around 2 million passengers annually. This translates to an average of 5,500 passengers daily. The airport also handles an average of 70 daily flights, with the majority being domestic flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at Kelowna Airport are Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines. These airlines operate flights to various destinations across Canada and the United States.

YLW serves a total of 24 destinations, with the majority being domestic destinations within Canada. The top 5 destinations served by the airport are Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria.

Several airlines use YLW Airport as a hub, including Flair Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines. These airlines operate flights to various destinations across Canada.

Airport History

The airport, located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1946. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1946 - Kelowna Airport is established as a small airfield with a single gravel runway.
  • 1960s - The airport sees significant growth with the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of more runways.
  • 1980s - Kelowna Airport becomes a hub for cargo airlines, with the construction of a cargo terminal and the addition of cargo flights to various destinations.
  • 1991 - The airport undergoes a major expansion project, which includes the construction of a new terminal building, parking facilities, and more runways.
  • 2003 - YLW becomes the first airport in Canada to implement a fully automated baggage handling system.
  • 2018 - The airport sees a record-breaking year with over 2 million passengers passing through its gates.

Today, YLW Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for the Okanagan Valley region, connecting travelers to destinations across Canada and the United States.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Kelowna International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: YLW
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 250-765-5125
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Kelowna International Airport, 1-5533 Airport Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1S1, Canada

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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