YXE Airport Insights & Guide
Key YXE Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know YXE Airport
Welcome to Saskatoon Airport (YXE), the heart of Saskatchewan's air travel and home to the world's first Indigenous Peoples' art gallery within an airport. This concise guide equips you with everything you need for a seamless journey through YXE. From flight status, terminal details, to parking and dining options, we've streamlined the essentials for both new and frequent flyers.
Enhance your airport experience by exploring our Comprehensive Airport Guide, offering in-depth insights into airports worldwide, ensuring a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
iFly Tip: Find out how to make the most of your parking experience by visiting our Airport Parking page.
Navigating YXE's Terminals
YXE has one main terminal building with two levels. The main level is for arrivals and baggage claim, while the upper level is for departures and check-in. The terminal has a total of 10 gates, which are divided into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
Concourse A has gates 1-4 and is primarily used by WestJet and its regional partner, WestJet Encore. Concourse B has gates 5-10 and is used by Air Canada and its regional partners, as well as Flair Airlines.
Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals by following the signs and directions provided throughout the building. There are also information desks located in the terminal for travelers who need assistance or have questions.
For those looking to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping, the Saskatoon Airport has a variety of options available. There are several restaurants and cafes located throughout the terminal, as well as a duty-free shop and a few retail stores.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
YXE Airport has only one terminal, making it easy for travelers to navigate. There is no need to worry about getting lost or confused while trying to find your gate. All amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and lounges, are located within the terminal, so you won't have to worry about going on a long walk to find what you need. The Saskatoon Airport is small enough that you can walk from one end of the terminal to the other in just a few minutes.
Tips from YXE Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from YXE-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"If you're flying WestJet, you'll be in Concourse A, which is usually less crowded. Head straight to the gates 1-4 area for quicker check-ins." — Emily J., Warman, SK, December 2023
"For Air Canada travelers, Concourse B is your destination. Gates 5-10 are well marked, but it's always good to check the flight information displays as you enter the terminal." — Michael T., Martensville, SK, January 2024
Getting To/From the City
"The airport shuttle is a convenient option to reach downtown Saskatoon without worrying about parking. It's economical and saves time during peak hours." — Lisa M., Saskatoon, SK, February 2024
"For those using rideshare services, the pickup area is right outside the terminal. It's well-organized, but always double-check your app for the exact location." — Raj P., Clavet, SK, March 2024
Parking
"Covered parking is my go-to for winter travel. It's a bit more expensive, but your car stays snow-free and warm, which is worth it during Saskatoon's cold months." — Sarah K., Delisle, SK, April 2024
"If you're planning a longer trip, the off-site parking lots offer great rates and the shuttle service is reliable. Just make sure to book in advance." — John D., Langham, SK, May 2024
Inside the Airport
"For a quick bite, Tim Hortons is a staple near the departure gates. It's perfect for grabbing a coffee and a snack before your flight." — Ahmed R., Saskatoon, SK, June 2024
"Don't miss the Indigenous Peoples' art gallery. It's a unique feature of YXE and offers a peaceful escape before your flight." — Maria L., Osler, SK, July 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight. Security lines move quickly, but it's always better to have extra time to relax at the gate." — David N., Vanscoy, SK, August 2024
"Check your flight status via your airline's app. It keeps you updated on any changes and helps you plan your time at the airport more efficiently." — Sophie W., Dalmeny, SK, September 2024
iFly Tip: Find out how to accompany someone to the gate with advice from our gate pass information page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At YXE Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking and waiting. Drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicles unattended at any time and are only allowed to stop for a maximum of five minutes to drop-off or pick-up passengers.
If you need to wait for your arriving passengers, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport. These areas allow drivers to park their vehicles for free and wait until their passengers have arrived and collected their baggage before proceeding to the curbside for pick-up. It is important to note that drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended in the cell-phone waiting areas.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of the airport, you'll find several parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking lots, as well as a parkade, all located within walking distance of the terminal. There are also designated cell phone waiting areas where drivers can wait for arriving passengers.
If you're looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking lots are available nearby, with shuttle service to and from the airport. These lots can be a great choice for longer trips, as they often offer lower rates than the on-site parking options.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking facilities, with spaces located close to the terminal for easy access. If you require assistance getting to or from your vehicle, airport staff are available to help.
Get details about Saskatoon Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at Saskatoon Airport, there are several ground transportation options available to travelers.
- Car rentals: Car rental facilities are located in the airport terminal building, and major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are available. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
- Taxi services: Taxis are available outside the terminal building, with drop-off areas located near the main entrance. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.
- Shared ride services: Services such as Uber and Lyft are also available, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. There are restrictions on pickups and drop-offs, so it is important to check the service's policies before booking.
- Airport shuttles: Shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.
- Public transportation: Options include buses and trains, with routes connecting to various parts of the city. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, while the train station is a short distance away.
iFly Tip: Keep your toddler happy during air travel with helpful advice from our flying with toddlers guide.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our guide features a variety of excellent hotel options, each offering a unique blend of convenience, comfort, and amenities designed to make your stay as pleasant as possible. From hotels that cater to business travelers with conference facilities, to accommodations boasting fitness centers, indoor pools, and complimentary airport shuttles, there's something for everyone. Some hotels are just a short walk from the airport, while others are a quick drive away, providing easy access to local attractions. Don't wait, explore the best options now at YXE Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, the airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, stop by Tim Hortons or Starbucks, both located near the departure gates. If you have a bit more time, head to the Prairie Bistro for a sit-down meal featuring local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. For a drink and a bite to eat, check out the Great Canadian Brewhouse, which offers a wide selection of beers and pub-style food.
When it comes to shopping, Saskatoon Airport has a variety of stores to browse. For souvenirs and gifts, visit the Prairie North Co-op or the Relay store. If you need to pick up some reading material for your flight, head to the WHSmith bookstore. For duty-free shopping, stop by the Nuance Duty Free store to find a wide selection of liquor, tobacco, and luxury goods.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Saskatoon Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check your options here.
Passenger Services
YXE is committed to providing passengers with a range of services to make their travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
For those needing to stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can easily connect to the network and stay connected during their time at the airport.
If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found department is available to assist you. They can be reached by phone or email and will do their best to help you locate your lost item.
For families traveling with children, the airport has a designated children's play area located near the food court. This area is equipped with toys, games, and activities to keep children entertained while waiting for their flight.
The airport also offers special-needs services for passengers with disabilities or other special needs. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spots.
If you need to access banking services during your travels, there is an ATM located near the arrivals area. Additionally, currency exchange services are available for those needing to exchange foreign currency.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a first aid station located near the security checkpoint. Trained medical professionals are available to provide assistance if needed.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's always important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. At YXE Airport, there are a few ways to check your flight status before you even arrive at the airport.
One of the easiest ways to get flight status information 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, delays, and gate information.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes, and even check-in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications to receive updates directly to your phone.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the 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: Saskatoon Airport, also known as John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE), is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the YXE Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Saskatoon Airport handles approximately 5,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 60 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from YXE are Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Puerto Vallarta.
- Hub Status: Saskatoon Airport is utilized as a hub by Air Canada Express, WestJet Encore, and Delta Connection.
Airport History
The airport, located in Saskatchewan, Canada, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some of the significant events in the airport's history:
- 1929: Saskatoon Airport was officially opened as a municipal airport.
- 1940s: During World War II, the airport was used as a training base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
- 1950s: The airport underwent major renovations and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and aircraft.
- 1960s: The airport saw the introduction of jet aircraft, which allowed for faster and more efficient travel.
- 1980s: Saskatoon Airport became the first airport in Canada to introduce a fully automated baggage handling system.
- 1990s: The airport underwent another major expansion, which included the addition of a new terminal building and parking garage.
- 2000s: YXE continued to grow and modernize, with the addition of new airlines and destinations.
- 2019: The airport celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking a milestone in its long and storied history.
Today, YXE Airport is a bustling hub of activity, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting them to destinations around the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: YXE
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 306-975-8900
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, 2625 Airport Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7L 7L1, Canada
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Saskatoon Airport Q&A
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