We’ve decked the halls at YOW in preparation for the holiday travel season! December 20, 22, 23 are expected to be the busiest travel days of 2024, with most flights at or near capacity.

In the spirit of making the travel experience merry, the Airport Authority is bringing back its Holiday music program from December 21-24. Returning artists Maria Hawkins, Sing House Studios and Maple Leaf Horn Quartet, newcomers to the program Kaede Nguyen and University of Ottawa Choir, and local mainstays the Dickens Carolers and Celebration Brass Quintet, will entertain passengers, meeters and greeters with holiday classics and original songs. The holiday music schedule is available on our website.  

The ever-popular Santa’s Manifest will be available on our Facebook page on December 24. Finally, there will be “surprise and delight” goodies offered to passengers and meeters/greeters on December 23.

To lessen holiday travel stress, we encourage passengers to plan ahead and keep the following travel tips in mind:

Before your trip:

• Save time and check in for your flight online from home;
• Ensure all travellers in your group have proper identification;
• If you’re travelling with children, bring books or toys to keep them occupied while you wait for your flight;
• Pack smart: 
  • The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website has information about what you can and can’t take in your carry-on luggage;
  • If you plan to take gifts in your carry-on, don’t wrap them - they may need to be inspected during the security screening;
  • Pack medications and valuables in your carry-on;
• If there is inclement weather, check your flight status with your airline before making your way to the Airport and give yourself extra time to get here;
• Reserve parking online to guarantee your spot; 
• Download your airline’s app for handy features and helpful information; 
• Find out if you’re already a ‘Verified Traveller’ or consider joining the NEXUS or Global Entry program;
• Visit our Travel from YOW page or our Travel to YOW page for even more tips; and
• Above all, remember to pack your patience!

At the Airport

• If you’re travelling to a sunshine destination, you can store your winter gear at the Airport for a small fee. PARS 2000, located in the Arrivals area on Level 1, is open 24/7.
• Need assistance?
  • Information about the Sunflower Lanyard program, the Aira app, and other accessibility services and features at YOW, is available on our Accessibility page;
  • The Passenger Concierge is a curb-to-cabin service available for a fee; and
  • There are in-terminal animal relief stations available in both the Canada/International and U.S. gate areas.
• Stay connected with YOW’s free WiFi and device charging receptacles throughout the terminal.
• There are many new restaurants, including local favourites Bridgehead, La Bottega and Big Rig in the Canada/International gate area.
• Need to pick up a last-minute gift? We’ve got you covered in the Centre Court area with The Locks, No Boundaries, a duty free store, among others.
• Picking up a passenger? Wait for them in our Cell Phone Lot, located at the north-west corner of Airport Parkway Private and Air Cargo Private.

Prepare your return to Canada

• The Canada Border Services Agency website has a guide for residents returning to Canada.
• Save time when making your customs and immigration declaration by using Advance Declaration.

Prepare to fly to the U.S.

• The free Mobile Passport Control app can speed up your entry to the United States.

“Planning is key to smooth travel, as is preparing for the unexpected. Inclement weather and delays can impact flights, even during this magical time. Pack smart, arrive early, and don’t forget to pack extra patience to make sure your journey is jolly!,” said Krista Kealey, Ottawa Airport Authority Vice President of Communications and Public Consultation. 

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