Calgary Airport Authority Review

In the new terminal waiting to head out to Mexico. Have to hang around till they think you should know which gate your plane is at. Guess it's a way to get you to shop. Finally the gate is assigned, you head there and no seats anywhere near the gate. Feel sorry for the seniors who have to be near the gate as they are always the first to board but have no place to sit while they wait. What a stupid design.

Found a place to sit. Can't see our gate. Do they announce boarding this far away. Guess we'll find out. Not relying on it. Based on the design of this place I really doubt they got that right. Will keep getting up to check.

Very easy going with extremely friendly staff. Security and passport control wasn t any fuzz that makes YYC a perfect reflection of the Canadian way of life. Enjoying some extra time now in the Aspire Lounge prior to a long flight back to Europe.

The policy to not allow dogs out of their kennel is ridiculous. I'd like to stuff security in a ventilated bag for 6 hours see how they feel. Vancouver international and Edmonton international allow it. But Calgary has to be different. They are absolutely not a pet friendly airport and I will do my very best to avoid going there. Also, the new wing with westjet departures is a joke, you cannot plug your mobile devices anywhere except in the corridor where you have to sit on the floor, it's 2017!!!??? Airport sucks. Westjet is awesome and their staff is fantastic, airport security is a joke with enforcing pets in carry on, don't they have better things to do. A complete joke!

Surprisingly nice airport; newly remodeled (or built). Very clean. Very easy to navigate. You clear USA Customs here vs. at the destination. The walk to the rental car location is nice after the plane ride. If that's not your sort of thing, the airport "beep-beep" drivers will be more than happy to shuttle you around.

All wonderful! Clear, clean airport, where everything goes quickly.

I like that this Airport is small, clean, and everything is quick and easy to find. Staff are friendly. It s a lot less stressful than Vancouver or Toronto

Down to one security gate with camera temp detection. The transport vehicles are still closed. Charging stations are still to few. Necessary to go to for me.

Just recently travelled, had no problems checking in or finding my gate, boarding and takeoff was on time.

Have to sit on tar mac waiting for a broken plane to move instead of moving us to any other gate. So far a hr ...and not aloud out of seat.. always somthing stupid at this airport.

Easy access, the new extension is of international standard.

Renovations to the international terminal are very nice. Everything is well laid out, customs seem to be much speedier than before with the addition of automated machines.

Liked the experience.. although it was rough.. The security is so good.. you feel safe..
The place is so clean .. and the new international extension is well maintained

There needs to be better signage and clear instructions especially from declaration. Better yet separate the connecting flights closer to the gates with the ones staying in Calgary. Once you're out that exit sign, there's no turning back - gotta go back all the way to departure and security. Speaking of the security area, with 5-6 scanners, only 1 was being used and not ideal for those who are catching a connecting flight. And I'd like to see some written rules where it says I have a limit of bringing spices in my carry on. Brought 4 spices from LA which was cleared by them, but one of the security workers took 2 of them saying I had a limit? Thought that was liquids only? Pretty disappointed with my first experience at this upgraded airport.

Very well managed facility. Public transport is on the doorsteps. 30 min to doentown.
Always best service.

The only airport in the country with pinball machines in every terminal. Remember your quarters!

the new terminal is going to be great to alleviate the old ones

Just a standard airport with not much to do on a layover.

New terminal nice got to take the shuttle customs was a bad Seen one official was holding declarations so we all had to go back and get them to get out of security.

Fun moving walkways :) lots of spots to charge phone

I didn't see any problems with this airport or the staff. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The only complaint I have is the slow wifi. The wifi in the airport is ridiculously slow. Overall, I didn't have any issues with the staff

It's a beautiful airport, too bad the airport security employees don't know how to secure travelers. When security is too busy "shopping" through bags, I imagine focusing on safety would be too much.
Had 3 different security people give 3 different answers to the same question. And all conflicted the posted signs. Reading is not a requirement for any Canadian security staff.

If you haven't been to the Calgary Airport recently, you'll notice the difference right away in terms of much less people there right now due to less flights occurring, none international unless you count to/from the states.... some stores are open, some closed, seems a bit random in terms of timing but food places seem to be open at least, especially since you're getting nothing in flight (only water) unless you're in business class on some flights I think.... mask wearing is encouraged when you're not eating, hand sanitizer stations are set up throughout the facility too.....

They are getting there but needs improvement.

- The noxious smell of glycol that makes you want to puke as soon as you exit the terminal.

- No water fountains just water bottle refilling stations? Come one... def not international quality. (Pre-Covid)

- Bridging the aircraft takes forever due to complex hallways in the international terminal.

-Bags take a while to get sometimes.

- 30 dollar airport improvement fee to use this place and they want more? How about you improve first then charge us.

- No C-Train access to the airport.

Looking much better, more work to do, but great improvement from 2 months ago!

Nice terminal and all, but you can't smoke past the security check area which bites!

I travel frequently and Calgary airport security is the worst. Slow and disorganized, no sense of urgency.

No tsa precheck. No priority security line. No nexus security line. Ultra slow security. Super long walk. No walkways.

Great airport. Too much construction during my last travel.

Losing all the stores and restaurants. This was before Covid. Its just depressing now

It is an airport... If you expect anything more or less then you will be disappointed.

I like flying in and out of YYC. Courteous baggage screeners, helpful and friendly staff throughout the airport. The walk to the International terminal is a hike from the rental car location, but I could always use the walk! If you not gotten the Nexus or Global Entry you need to. Well worth the investment.

At the Calgary airport to take a connecting flight to Vancouver. A nice airport and easy to get around. There are lots of food choices that include the common airport restaurants. They have the friendliest and most helpful staff of any airport I have visited. From security, cleaning staff, store shop staff to airline staff....all are great.

Plane arrived at 4:50 am, waited 15 min for the airport crew to connect the jetbridge and then another 40 min to get our luggage. Airport was not busy.

On a recent flight arriving in YYC my partner and I had a medical emergency. The response from the staff was amazing. I would really like to thank them for their professionalism and care. From the aircraft staff to the emergency response team of the airport. The systems and procedures the airport has established to handle issues like this along with the training and quality of staff came together and saw our situation resolved as well as it could have been given the situation.

Thank you.

One of my most favourite International Airports to visit. Really easy to get about along with the amazing helpful staff makes its a very enjoyable experience. Free Wifi as well!

Nice service and free baggage carts although there is very slow WiFi but looks nice and modern.

YYC Calgary International Airport BRIGHT CLEAN WELL-DESIGNED, visited 4/12, 4/18. Nice having rental cars on campus. Super nice Cowboy, Cowgirl Volunteer Staff in nifty outfits. Customs has many computer kiosks to check in and staff handsome and nice! Baggage claim quick. Eat at Tim Horton's, its fast/delicious. Lots of great shops and lots of electrical outlets to CHARGE UP. Thank you for this.

I m writing this review to pass the time as I wait for my bag. 45 minutes and counting...

Following up on my initial post. The entire flight waited an hour for our luggage until we were finally told to write our address down and that our luggage would be delivered once they found which cart they put all of our luggage into.

Not a bad airport, not so big and not so small either it is pretty easy to navigate and the layout is straightforward, havent had a negative experience here yet.

Here's Calgary, Alberta's new gleaming international airport terminal. Pretty big change from the cramped old one. Has some annoying innovations. For example, no drinking fountains - guess they save many thousands a year on that one. So you can buy water or refill an empty bottle. Also, no paper towels anywhere. When I needed to blow my nose, I used some Burger King napkins. Also could've gone in toilet stalls to get tissue paper. Not sure whether these changes are progressive or simply being cheap. This may vary according to reviews, but I got my luggage pretty quickly. Customs entry was much better streamlined than in the past.
UPDATE: YYC international departures now at least 2 drinking fountains in the gates area suitable for drinking directly or filling a water bottle. The international terminal features excellent WiFi, tested at 100+Mbps (U/D both).

Great airport. Very easy to navigate with washrooms strategically located.

I like the Calgary airport, it is always very clean and the signage is well done. Unfortunately the food court is currently closed in concourse A right now, I am not sure for how long though.

was forced to throw out $100 bottle of tequila bought at duty-free in Cancun airport because it wasn t sealed in the right plastic bag... even though it was sealed with a zip tie and receipt was in bag. No food and barely any room to sit after a very long experience going through security for a connecting, domestic flight. Hope someone from airport staff has a good night with our very expensive DUTY-FREE tequila.

A city that lives and dies with the price of oil, and which is trying to built itself some "world-class infrastructure" to make up for the lack of attributes (history, culture, architecture and such ) that world-class cities have as tangibles and otherwise.

Yes, the airport is fairly efficient and the kind-hearted white-hatted volunteers will try to help you.

But.... better remember exactly where you parked your car because the zone ID in the stratified parking lot was designed by a pre-schooler.

And ... This C-zone (past the domestic security check) in the airport has only one (yes, ONE) restaurant. And that restaurant has the most hideous music ever thinkable.. If you want other options you have a long walk through a construction zone to get to other zones.

And .... when the sheit hits the fan with an airline aircraft not being able to take off due to a mechanical problem, then all bets are off. Not sure who should get most of the blame for the mess i am living through today, on site, but surely even if Delta's plane wouldn't start after the de-icing, did we have to wait one and a half hour to get one of those airplane puller machines to take us to a gate, did it have to take one hour to get our bags, and it goes on...

So, dear Calgary Airport admin, if you're going to promote yourself as big and beautiful and best of best, ante up will you !!!

Have never had an issue with the staff, getting to gates, or going through security. Calgary is one of my favorite airport for convince and efficiency!

I've always praised the Calgary airport as my previous experiences were outstanding...until today. Not sure if this was just a bad day or a sign of things to come. I was returning from a US. business trip and found my self waiting 45 minutes for my luggage. The whole group was obviously getting annoyed and frustrated. Off to my Air Canada connection flight and no attendants to be found to receive our luggage. A Westjet attendant directed me to the upper level where things didn't get much better. Not really sure where to go, I took the escalator to the upper level and got very vague directions from what I assume was a Air Canada employee. There are so many Air Canada desks it's difficult to know which one to choose among the hustle and bustle and under the threat of missing your flight. We finally find the correct desk and with a little help from other travellers, we were directed to the self baggage check. This was a bust, nothing worked and nobody in sight to offer assistance, so back in line we go. With baggage finally checked, it's off to security. Now of course I take the responsibly for forgetting the hot sauce in my backpack, but the pressure was on to make the next flight and time was getting close. My little bottle of hot sauce was 50ml. over the 100ml. maximum. So my options were to surrender my sauce, or dump approximately 50ml at their dumping station and go through the security a second time. Thankfully the security were not their usual arrogant, rude selves. It seemed strange to me that I could bring an opened bottle but not the dreaded extra 50ml. Barely making my flight all worked out in the end, but a guy could really do without the added stress. Whew!

We were looked after very well , and everyone was helpful !!

As a Texan, it is a bit intimidating coming from IAH to YYC, but the staff is always so friendly and helpful! I know I am going to be ok catching my connecting flight when my layover is in Calgary. My first time stepping off he plane, I must have had a look of desperation. A friendly staff member in a red cowboy hat was quick to greet me and ask if I had any questions or needed help in navigating my next move. The signage is amazing as well as the overall organization of the whole airport. When I fly into Canada, if I m able- I have and will always select YYC as my destination or connection! I wish I could give 10 stars!

Exceptionally clean, spacious, comfortable, well illuminated... Perfectly signalized. Plenty of places to rest, charge phone, free wifi...

Simply perfect in every sense.

So clean. I always love traveling back and forth in canada but Calgary Airport has to be my favorite.

Very clean. Organized. Look for a senior in a white cowboy hat and they will tell you everything you need to know. Great volunteers!

It's a super clean airport.i have been to a lot of big airports around the world but this one is super clean especially the washrooms
Everything is easily accessible,plenty of places to eat.

US terminal, looks nice, until you try to charge your phone. Nearest charging station from gate 89 is a 10 min walk. Only place to charge is in select seating areas, and all right next to a piano that is played by children. Internet is 2 bars.

And Calgary is trying to compete....long way to go.

Very friendly helpful aircanada staff and security staff.

WORST AIRPORT EVER!! Bar none!

I had a flight from IAH (Houston Bush) to NRT (Tokyo Narita) with a layover at YYC (Calgary). When I checked my luggage, I was told I had to pick up my luggage and re-check it in Calgary, instead of the usual checked all the way through.

Problem #1: The airport bridge malfunctioned "because of the cold"... REALLY?! In Canada? In January? Granted, it was -19*C and had snowed like 4 inches, but seriously: Nobody saw this coming? The "NEW" bridges stop functioning in the cold?! The airplane sat on the malfunctioning gate for 45+ minutes until the airport staff decided to move us to another gate. This made most of the connections late and missed their flight; I almost was one of them.

Problem #2: So I get off the plane. BECAUSE OF THE DELAY, I HAVE ONLY 20 MINUTES TO MY NEXT FLIGHT, and the airport staff tell me I have to pick up my bag. I check the carousels, and my bag is not there. I try to pass to the next area, and Immigration tells me I need my bag to pass. I tell them I checked, so they refer me to a luggage help area. I go there, and NO ONE IS AT THE OFFICE!! I go back to immigration, and tell them that no one is there. They do not help me. It takes someone else to tell THEM that their own system says that I have a connection flight, meaning I don't need to pass with a bag. So I'm led out.... OUT OF SECURITY!!! WITH ONLY 10 MINUTES TO MY NEXT FLIGHT, I need to pass through security A SECOND TIME!! ON A CONNECTION FLIGHT!! This wastes even more time, because I was VERY thoroughly searched, seeing as I was "randomly selected for additional screening." I went through the metal detector, full body scanner, was wanded, patted down everywhere, including my groin area. When Canadian TSA found my travel money, which I had in my pocket on a sealed envelope, they needed to pry it open and check, really!!. Since I had only 5 minutes to last call, I didn't care, I just wanted to pass through and get to my flight!!

Thankfully I made it to my flight, only because I ran to and fro, looking for the right places to go. Not until I reached Tokyo did I find that my bag was indeed checked. All throughout I believed that they had lost my luggage.

DO NOT STOP BY HERE!! It's horrible, unhelpful, and nobody knows what's going on. Apparently nobody knows that during a connecting flight, there's no need for a second round of security: just go from gate to gate, like every sane and organized airport. They have no idea how to make a connection!!

New international terminal is SLOW. Coming or going it is the slowest airport, from security to baggage claim.

so cool to hav the function can record the time from gmail

Overall our experience was good. We travelled a wed to wed so the airport was actually quite dead. Security took only minutes. Our plane was delayed slightly but it didn't take long until we were boarded and ready to go.

Cozy welcoming airport, parking is free for the first few minutes and have yet to visit the new international expansion area, but by far the their best free service is the White Hat Ceremony for all first-time visitors!

Beautiful airport and staff is always amazing compare to most airports

Customer service is the act of taking care of the customer's needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high quality service and assistance before, during, and after the customer's requirements are met and this airport team got this down pat!!!! Wonderful experience; friendly, smiles, helpful, this team appear to genuinely like their job...I will be back often.

Two major problems with this airport.

One is that the terminal is at the end farthest from city center. Why? It makes for a longer drive for most people and the LRT train would be there right now if the terminal had been near the south end. Now LRT and the new tunnel will add a billion to the capital cost of servicing it. Look at a city map of the early '70s and you'll see lots of space they could have expanded to at the south end. When they were building the terminal in the early '70s I looked for it often and couldn't see it where I thought it should be. I could see something rising on the NE horizon and thought 'They wouldn't be stupid enough to build it there, would they?.' They were.

The second is the bottleneck for traffic to pick up arrivals. A stopping/pick-up lane and two driving lanes. Add crosswalks. Edmonton is a smaller airport and has twice the capacity. The hotels and parkades on the left also make it difficult to expand arrival vehicular traffic capacity. It will be worse when the new terminal opens and reaches its capacity.

For the size of the airport it's a real zoo.

On the plus side, Edmonton's is only 180 miles farther and it's a breeze.

4th busiest airport in Canada. 20 km from Calgary downtown (30 min drive). Limited choices of restaurants and shops. Free WiFi. Limited AC sockets. No lounge in Concourse B. YYC Link passenger shuttle available for transport between Concourses.

Its hard to believe that they spent Billions on this airport. They have the slowest luggage delivery I have ever seen. Consistently. Every time. I dread ever having to check a bag. Clean it up!

The friendliest staff I've come across in an airport. They're always smiling. The volunteers are always on a look out to help you when needed.

One of the best airport to experience travel In a unique Canadian Style. I work at the airport as aviation is my passion and it never let's me down.

It's nothing spectacular but I am grateful we do have an international airport within city limits

One of the cleanest airport i have ever seen. Small, quite but usefull atmosphere

They try to make departure and arrivals as convenience as possible with the different lanes to enter the airport with, and exiting is easy and straight forward enough. The shops at the airport are pretty decent, has a nice selection and variety, so can't really complain too much about that. This airport is always expanding, so things are only going to get better as time moves forward.

The worst part about the Calgary Airport is that you are in the Calgary Airport.

One of the best airports in Canada. Easy to find out what we need.

Clean airport! Easy to access and good departure and pickup system.

Its nice but everything is closed inside for now and limited doors are open on local side.Door 6 onwards so park further in