How to survive holiday travel through Calgary International Airport

The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel welcomes guests as a place to gather, work or meet friends. Multiple seating areas are placed throughout with convenient power outlets, enhanced by natural light.Garry Kan/Marriott Bonvoy

Look for White Hat Volunteers for advice or assistance – the hat style in question being cowboy. And keep an eye out the Pre-Board Pals, dogs and cats offering calming cuddles.

Timesaver: YYC Express (free) provides advance daily reservations for security screening during peak times.

Local flavours: Indulge in bubbles at Vin Room YYC, which offers meals-to-go packed in a cooler bag. Or, for cocoa cravings, try the newly opened Rocky Mountain Chocolate.

Accessibility: Pretravel, submit an accessible support request form online for services such as wheelchairs, a “guiding arm,” translation and emotional support. InfoCentres provide hearing loops for people with hearing aids.

Upgrade: Domestic and international travellers flying with any airline can access the WestJet Elevation Lounge. Access starting at $59 for three hours includes food, beverages, family area and shower facilities. Two Aspire Lounges are available for transborder and international travellers, from $46.20 an adult; includes snacks, drinks, wifi, magazines and newspapers.

Layover: Amenities at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel include the OraOxygen Wellness Spa, offering the OraOxygen special: 15 minutes each of chair massage, foot massage and oxygen session for $65. The newly renovated Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal opens this month.

Got a connecting flight or want information about another airport? We’ve got your guide to surviving Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Edmonton (YEG) and Vancouver (YVR).