The Comox Valley Airport reminds passengers to show up on time for flights to avoid being left behind

VANCOUVER ISLAND, July 7, 2015 /CNW/ - The Comox Valley Airport is reminding passengers to adhere to the recommended check-in time established by their airline to avoid the disappointment of being turned away from their flight. 

"Unfortunately, some of our airlines have had to deny boarding to passengers who have shown up late for their flights because they feel like the rules don't apply to a small airport like ours," said Comox Valley Airport CEO Fred Bigelow. "This is particularly a challenge for the early morning flights and for those travelling onto transborder destinations, which require the extra step of having an agent review passports at check-in."

Bigelow explained that despite the size of the airport, a passenger checking in late causes a ripple effect that can delay the departure of an aircraft.

"It is not just a matter of the passengers themselves making it through security and onto the plane.  The luggage must also be screened and loaded, which can cause further delay. Waiting for even one passenger can sometimes mean the loss of a landing slot at the destination airport and could prevent other passengers from making their connecting flights."

Check-in times for YQQ's airlines are as follows:

Air Canada
Recommended check-in time	90 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline	45 minutes before scheduled departure
Central Mountain Air
Recommended check-in time	60 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline	45 minutes before scheduled departure
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Recommended check-in time	45 minutes before scheduled departure
Check-in deadline	20 minutes before scheduled departure
WestJet
Recommended check-in time	90 minutes before scheduled departure
Domestic check-in deadline	45 minutes before scheduled departure
Transborder check-in deadline	60 minutes before scheduled departure
International check-in deadline	60 minutes before scheduled departure

Bigelow advises these policies apply even for those who have checked in online.  "If you have already checked in online but have a bag to check and you arrive late, your bag could be left behind," he explained.

To prevent unnecessary delays, the airport is recommending that passengers give themselves plenty of time to get to the terminal, including planning for extras such as parking or booking a taxi.

"As our airport is at peak volume through the summer, this is a good time to remind passengers that it is their responsibility to adhere to the policies of the airline they are travelling with," said Bigelow. "The last thing we want is for passengers to be turned away from their flights because they arrive after the cut-off period."

SOURCE Comox Valley Airport

Media Contact: Christianne Wile, Comox Valley Airport, [phone] ext. 253, [email protected]