Flying from Seattle to Kelowna: What to Expect on One of the Only Direct Routes
With more visitors coming to Canada, Mom and I are starting a new flying series. In this video, we explore flying from SEA (Seattle) to YLW (Kelowna), which is one of the only direct flights from the USA into Kelowna. If you’re considering this route, here are a few helpful things to know before you go.
Bring Your Own Pen
One small but important tip: pack your own pen. We hadn’t flown this route in quite some time, and the flight attendants only had two pens available for over five people, including themselves. This caused delays, as some passengers had to fill out their declaration cards after landing instead of during the flight.
Filming Restrictions at Customs
Due to federal law, we weren’t able to film inside the customs area at Kelowna International Airport.
What Customs Is Like at YLW
Kelowna’s customs area is extremely small, with only four agent booths. While we were there, only two agents were working, and the wait time was about 15–20 minutes.
It’s also important to note that there is currently no accessible lane or wheelchair lane in the customs area.
Washrooms in the Customs Area
There is a small washroom located within the customs area. The women’s washroom is a single-stall facility, so it can line up during busier times.
Connecting to Another Canadian City
If you are connecting onward to another Canadian destination, you will need to collect your baggage and re-check it at a ticketing desk after clearing customs. This can impact your connection time, so be sure to factor that into your travel plans.
Baggage Claim Before Clearing Customs
Customs baggage arrives at a separate baggage claim area before you clear customs. Make sure you collect your luggage before exiting through the final door, as you won’t be able to go back once you leave the secure area.
Arriving in Kelowna
Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll enter the main pre-security area of the terminal—welcome to Kelowna.
Pick-Up and Transportation Tips
YLW’s pick-up area is located on the far side of the terminal. If you’re being picked up by family or friends, you may want to walk inside the airport to reach the correct pick-up zone.
If you’re using a taxi, rideshare service, or a ski resort shuttle, exit through the door right by baggage claim for the most convenient access.
Comments (2)
Those mountain shots bring chills. Beautiful.
I love flying over the mountains in British Columbia on a clear day, the scenery is stunning! You captured it beautifully in your video. Is Kelowna aI love flying over the mountains in British Columbia on a clear day, the scenery is stunning! You captured it beautifully in your video. Is Kelowna a relatively small, low key aiport to fly into? More ...