Kelowna Airport YLW Airport Traveler Guide

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.

Transportation Options

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

• Car Rentals: 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, making it easy for travelers to rent a car upon arrival. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times.
• Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal. Fare rates vary depending on the destination, and it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip. Taxis offer a convenient and direct way to reach your destination.
• Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at YLW Airport. These services have designated pickup areas outside the terminal. Be aware of any restrictions regarding the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed in these vehicles.
• Airport Shuttles: 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 the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination and the shuttle company. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
• Public Transportation: The Kelowna Regional Transit System operates buses that connect the airport to various destinations in the city. The bus stop is located outside the terminal, and fares can be paid in cash or with a transit pass. This is an affordable option for travelers looking to reach the city center and other local destinations.

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.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Kelowna Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of the terminal building for your convenience.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Kelowna Airport features designated children's play areas located throughout the airport.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available in the terminal building, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located near the baggage claim area. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
• Airport Lounges: Kelowna Airport features the Okanagan Lounge, accessible to all passengers for a fee or through membership programs. The lounge is located after security and offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and a comfortable seating area to relax before your flight. Additionally, the lounge provides a quiet space with workstations and a full bar.

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.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Kelowna Airport (YLW) is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
• Terminal: The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines. For a full list of airlines, visit the YLW Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Kelowna Airport handles approximately 2 million passengers annually, averaging around 5,500 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport manages about 70 daily flights, predominantly domestic.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from YLW are Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria.
• Hub Status: Kelowna Airport serves as a hub for Flair Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines.

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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