What to Do After Your Flight Arrives at YVR
This guide is about the pickup process after landing, not a comparison of every transportation option. Your first steps are the same: complete immigration or customs if required, collect checked luggage, confirm the party is together, then follow the instructions for the transportation you are using.
Domestic and International Arrivals Are Different
Domestic Arrivals
Domestic passengers arrive through the Canada side of the terminal. Public passenger pickup and other ground-transportation services use signed arrival-level areas. Follow the current airport signs rather than relying on an old landmark or door number saved from a previous trip.
International and U.S. Arrivals
International and U.S. passengers must finish the arrival process before entering the public terminal. Customs, baggage delivery and immigration queues can change the amount of time between touchdown and being ready to meet a ride.
Where Different Rides Meet Passengers
Taxi
YVR operates licensed taxi stands at Domestic Arrivals Level 2 and International Arrivals Level 2. Follow taxi signage after collecting your luggage.
Ride Apps
Authorized ride-app pickup areas are signed at Domestic Arrivals Level 2, International Arrivals Level 2 and the South Terminal. Request the ride after you have your luggage and are ready to move toward the pickup area.
Friends or Family
Public pickup areas are intended for immediate loading. If the passenger is not ready, YVR provides a cell phone waiting area so the driver does not need to circle the terminal.
Pre-Arranged Commercial Vehicle
Commercial operators use airport procedures for pre-arranged pickups. The reservation should include the flight number, passenger contact information, party size and meeting instructions so the chauffeur and passenger can coordinate once the party is ready.
If the Flight or Baggage Is Delayed
Do not assume touchdown time is pickup time. Checked baggage, customs, immigration and mobility assistance can all extend the arrival process. If a bag is missing or the passenger is held up inside the terminal, contact the transportation provider before leaving the baggage area so the pickup plan can be adjusted.
Groups Need More Coordination
For a larger party, choose one person to communicate with the driver and confirm when everyone has collected luggage. YVR recommends advance coordination for group arrivals, including flight details, estimated pickup time, group size and direct contact information between the party and the commercial operator.
What to Send Before a Pre-Arranged Pickup
- Passenger name and mobile number
- Airline and flight number
- Domestic or international arrival
- Number of passengers
- Checked bags and oversized equipment
- Final destination
- Any mobility or child-seat requirements
Keep the instructions current: airport curb assignments and meeting procedures can change. Follow the instructions sent with the reservation and YVR's current signage on the day of travel.
Prepare Before the Aircraft Lands
A few details saved in advance make the arrival much easier. Keep the reservation confirmation, driver or dispatch contact, destination address and flight number together on the traveller's phone. If someone else made the booking, make sure the arriving passenger still receives the meeting instructions.
When Checked Baggage Is Missing
If a suitcase does not arrive on the carousel, deal with the airline baggage report before leaving the secure area when instructed by the airline. At the same time, message the transportation provider so the driver knows the passenger is delayed inside rather than assuming the ride was missed.
Mobility Assistance Can Change the Pickup Time
Passengers using wheelchair assistance or other airport support may take longer to move from the aircraft to the public arrivals area. Tell the transportation provider about mobility requirements before travel and avoid scheduling the vehicle as though every passenger will be ready immediately after landing.
South Terminal and Unusual Arrivals
YVR's South Terminal is separate from the main Domestic and International terminal areas. If the itinerary uses the South Terminal, private aviation or another non-standard arrival point, confirm the exact meeting location instead of following instructions written for the main terminal.
One Contact Person for a Larger Party
Groups move more smoothly when one person is responsible for checking that everyone has luggage and contacting the driver. If the passengers arrive on multiple flights, give the transportation provider the complete flight list and identify which arrival should control the final pickup time.
Arriving with a Reserved Chauffeur?
Use the airport service page for Destiny-specific vehicle options, current rates and booking details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the online rate calculator for an instant quote, book directly through the Destiny Limousine app, or call 604-597-9040 to confirm details with dispatch.
A BC PTB license (#71593), $10M commercial liability insurance, and BC Limo Association membership, with the company operating in Metro Vancouver since 1999.
No. Rates are flat by route rather than metered, and there is no fuel surcharge added afterward. The final price is based on pickup location, vehicle type and distance set at booking.
See the cancellation policy for notice periods by trip type, including airport transfers, point-to-point rides, hourly charters and event packages.