
Kelowna International Airport (IATA: YLW, ICAO: CYLW) is a Canadian airport located approximately 10 minutes from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. The airport has customs-controlled areas and a CATSA pre-board screening area, but no US pre-boarding clearance zone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customs | Customs Controlled Areas |
| Location | Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada |
| Airport type | Canadian airport, single runway airport |
| Airlines | Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, Air BC, Central Mountain Air, Canadian Regional Airlines, Horizon Air |
| Destinations | Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle, Montreal, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Phoenix |
| Passenger traffic | 10th busiest airport in Canada in 2018 with 2,080,372 passengers |
| Services | CATSA pre-board screening area |
Explore related products
$29.95
What You'll Learn

Kelowna International Airport is a customs-controlled area
Kelowna International Airport, also known as YLW, is located in British Columbia, Canada, and is a customs-controlled area. The airport is situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, just a short drive from downtown Kelowna and is easily accessible via Highway 97. YLW offers excellent connectivity and convenient services to travellers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
As a customs-controlled area, Kelowna International Airport has designated specific zones as customs-controlled areas within the meaning of the Customs Act. These areas include the CBSA Primary Inspection Line Hall, the International Baggage Hall, the Secondary Examination Area, and public hallways and stairways connecting these sections. The airport is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all passengers and has implemented various measures to achieve this goal.
One of the critical aspects of the customs-controlled areas at Kelowna International Airport is managing the movement of domestic and international travellers and goods. The designated areas aim to separate domestic travellers and workers from international travellers and goods that have not yet been processed or released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This separation helps facilitate efficient customs clearance and ensures compliance with import and export regulations.
In addition to the designated customs-controlled areas, YLW also offers a range of services to assist passengers with special needs and physical challenges. For instance, passengers can request wheelchairs at the airline check-in desk or through an Airport Ambassador. Security Escort Passes are also available at the check-in counter, allowing family members or aides to accompany passengers requiring assistance through security to their departure gates.
Furthermore, Kelowna International Airport provides a smoke and vape-free environment inside the airport, with designated smoking and vaping areas located outside the terminal building. The airport also offers a variety of dining and shopping options, currency exchange services, ATMs, and easy access to ground transportation, including taxis, rideshare services, and car rentals.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Airport Legacy: A Sporting Tribute?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It's located in British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, approximately 6.2 nautical miles (11.5 km or 7.1 mi) northeast of the city, on Highway 97. The airport handles up to 36 commercial departures a day, or about 248 departures per week, and is served by three major airlines: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and WestJet.
The airport's focal point is a glass rotunda featuring a fountain and the "Escape from Stella Polaris" sculpture, with a small observation area on the mezzanine level. The main terminal building covers 76,000 sq ft (7,100 m2) and includes 10 aircraft loading positions, half of which are equipped with jet bridges. The arrivals area has three baggage carousels, one of which serves international/US arrivals, while the remaining two are for domestic arrivals.
Kelowna International Airport has a designated Customs Controlled Area, which includes areas where domestic workers or travellers may come into contact with international travellers or goods that have not been processed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This area also encompasses the CBSA Primary Inspection Line Hall, the International Baggage Hall, the Secondary Examination Area, and the public hallways and stairways connecting these sections.
The airport offers a range of amenities and services to ensure accessibility and a positive experience for all passengers. These include wheelchair assistance, security escort passes, language assistance, and accessible ground transportation options. Additionally, the airport provides designated smoking and vaping areas outside the terminal building and maintains a smoke and vape-free environment inside the airport.
Exploring Airport Accessibility at LaGuardia
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport has a CATSA pre-board screening area
Kelowna International Airport (IATA: YLW, ICAO: CYLW) is located approximately 10 minutes or 6.2 nautical miles (11.5 km; 7.1 mi) northeast of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on Highway 97. The airport has a CATSA pre-board screening area.
The CATSA pre-board screening area is an important part of the airport's security measures. CATSA, or the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, is responsible for ensuring the security and protection of air travellers in Canada. The presence of the CATSA pre-board screening area at Kelowna International Airport indicates that the airport prioritizes the safety and security of its passengers and staff.
The screening area is where passengers and their carry-on baggage are inspected before they are allowed to proceed to the boarding gates. This process typically involves passing through metal detectors and having one's carry-on luggage scanned through an X-ray machine. CATSA officers, who are trained in security procedures, conduct these screenings to identify any prohibited items or substances that may pose a risk to aviation security.
Passengers travelling through the Kelowna International Airport should be aware of the screening procedures and prepare accordingly. This includes allowing adequate time for the screening process, as wait times can vary depending on the number of departing flights and passenger volume. It is recommended that passengers check with their air carrier for recommended check-in times and stay updated on the current wait times, which are available on the CATSA website.
In addition to the CATSA pre-board screening area, Kelowna International Airport also has customs-controlled areas designated by the Customs Act. These areas include the CBSA Primary Inspection Line Hall, the International Baggage Hall, and the Secondary Examination Area, ensuring that the airport complies with customs regulations.
Uber's Access to DFW Airport: Allowed or Restricted?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

There is no US pre-boarding clearance zone
Kelowna International Airport is a Canadian airport located approximately 10 minutes or 6.2 nautical miles (11.5 km; 7.1 mi) northeast of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on Highway 97. It is the main aviation hub for the area, providing excellent connectivity and easy access to Kelowna and its surrounding attractions. The airport has a CATSA pre-board screening area, but there is no US pre-boarding clearance zone. This means that all passengers travelling by air between Canada and the United States are required to present a valid passport. If you are not a Canadian or American citizen and are travelling to the United States, you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The airport has designated customs-controlled areas, which include all areas where there is a likelihood of contact between domestic workers or travellers and international travellers or goods that have not been processed by the CBSA. These areas include the CBSA Primary Inspection Line Hall, the International Baggage Hall, the Secondary Examination Area, and public hallways and stairways connecting these areas.
The airport has undergone significant expansion and modernisation over the years, including the addition of a new terminal building, an air traffic control tower, and an onsite weather office. In 1999, five airlines were serving Kelowna through code-sharing agreements and partnerships. As of 2018, the airport handles up to 36 commercial departures a day, with three major airlines serving the airport: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and WestJet.
With its convenient location, modern facilities, and excellent connectivity, Kelowna International Airport offers a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers visiting the breathtaking beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
Exploring the Gates of REL Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $37.99

It's a 10-minute drive from downtown Kelowna
Kelowna International Airport is located 14 kilometres north of Kelowna's city centre. The fastest way to get from the airport to downtown Kelowna is by taxi, which takes around 14 to 15 minutes and costs $26 to $40. Taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter based on time and distance travelled, with no price difference for day, night, or weekend trips. You can find the taxi rank outside the terminal building to the right of the main exit doors.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the EBus Canada shuttle bus No. 23 provides a direct route to the city centre, taking around 25 to 30 minutes. The bus operates twice daily, with frequent departures on weekdays and limited service on Saturdays. The one-way fare is $2 to $16, and tickets can be purchased directly on the bus in cash. Please note that the bus driver does not carry change, so be sure to have the exact amount in Canadian dollars. The bus stop is located outside the main terminal, to the right of the exit doors.
In addition to these public transportation options, several private shuttle services are available, including Welcome Pickups, which offers pre-booked transfers at a fixed price. Licensed airport shuttle bus services, such as Cheers Okanagan Tours, also provide transfers to various destinations in the region, including Apex, Baldy, Big White Mountain, and Vernon.
When travelling to and from the airport, it's important to note that Kelowna International Airport is a smoke and vape-free environment. There are designated smoking and vaping areas outside the terminal building for public use. Additionally, service animals are accommodated, with relief areas available both before and after security.
Taxi Services at Gdańsk Airport: Availability and Convenience
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kelowna International Airport has customs controlled areas.
All areas where there is a likelihood that domestic workers or domestic-origin travellers will come into contact with international travellers and/or goods that have not been processed are designated customs-controlled areas. This includes the CBSA Primary Inspection Line Hall, the International Baggage Hall, the Secondary Examination Area, and public hallways and stairways connecting these areas.
Yes, there is a CATSA pre-board screening area at Kelowna Airport. However, there is no US pre-boarding clearance zone.
The airport code for Kelowna International Airport is YLW.
Kelowna International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, handling up to 36 commercial departures and approximately 248 departures per week.











































