Vancouver International Airport

October 2005 (USA check in area) – We had to cut our stay in Vancouver short. We planned to stay there for about 4 days but instead we had to fly in at 9pm on Friday and fly out at 8am on Sunday. We already planned to sleep in the airport the night before our very early departing flight but since we also arrived late on Friday we descided to stay both nights in the airport because it would be easier than finding a place to stay late at night and easier than getting up at 4am to get our flight out… and we are cheap!

I scoured every inch of that airport for the best place to camp out. On the check-in level on the far end of the USA check in there is a big empty area with only seats and a bathroom that is just perfect for sleeping. The seats are mainly without armrests so you can lie out. Its very quiet as there are no flights to the USA after about 8pm and there are no announcements! The only annoying thing is the ride-on floor buffer that comes around mid-night… especially annoying if the cleaner then hangs around talking for ages on his phone, but anyway…

This part of the airport is right near the entry to the Fairmont Hotel so no need to worry about the airport being locked at night and you being kicked out into the cold, which is always my main concern when sleeping in an airport.

This airport was fantasic. No one bothered us even though we slept in the same place 2 nights in a row. We had our sleeping bags, pillows and pyjamas out too. There is a couple of TVs to watch if you get bored. The food is not too expensive (for an airport) especially if you visit one of the 3 Tim Hortons (prices are not inflated). There is even a 7/11 and a liquor store on the bottom level of the domestic area.

Go to the International arrivals area for baggage storage if you want to go out and explore the city without your stuff. Its a bit expensive but not too bad. A pack or suitcase will cost $5 per item to store for 24 hours. The bus into the city will cost $2.25 and you need the right change… but if you are a crafty cheapskate you might manage to use that one ticket for the whole day, not just the 90mins or so its is actually valid for – just flash it at the driver and walk confidently by. if you get caught just play the dumb tourist and say you thought it was a return ticket… worked for us! You can also try jumping in the back doors if there are people getting out the back and enough people getting in the front doors to distract the driver ;-) BTW this is the only airport i have slept in that provided enough seats to cope with the number of sleepers!

Come early and check out the gorgeous art on display!

All of my trips out of the airport have been domestic flights (except one, years ago), but I like hanging out in the international departures wing if I have the time. That’s because of the cool statues which kids are not allowed to climb but always do, the open space in the food court, and people-watching those lining up for Japan Air and other flights using Asian airlines. It’s either that or eat a BC Burger and watch sports on the multiple TVs at the White Spot. Plus there’s (expensive) wifi.