The holiday season at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year. Families reunite, students return home, and travellers set off to new adventures. With more people passing the terminal and winter weather always full of surprises, a little preparation will help your trip smoother. 

To help you get ready (and avoid the classic holiday-travel plot twists), we asked some of the people who know airports best—our Operations team, Commissionaires, airline agents, and CATSA officers—for their top insider tips. 

Plan for winter weather  

December is beautiful—but also unpredictable. Flights fill up, snow rolls in, and winter has a habit of surprising everyone… except the YFC Operations team, who are out early clearing runways and keeping aircraft moving safely.   

“Flights are fuller, winter weather is unpredictable, so give yourself extra time”, says Alvin Nason, Director of Operations at the Fredericton International Airport Authority.  

He explains that delays are the most common winter challenge, and these can be caused by conditions at connecting airports, not just the airport you’re departing from. Alvin recommends choosing a longer layover when possible: “It gives you breathing room when delays happen, especially this time of year.” 

Start early 

Airline agents have one simple tip for everyone: start early.  

Check in online in advance, and make sure your ID is valid, especially if you are travelling internationally. They also recommend arriving earlier than you think you need to. Check-in times and requirements vary by airlines, so check with your airline before you leave home. 

Screening 

Wrapped gifts look great… unless they have to be unwrapped at screening, so it’s best to save the wrapping for later. Security screening officers need to see what’s inside, and if something can’t be identified on X-ray, it will need to be physically inspected. 

Liquids still need to be under 100ml (yes, even festive snow globes), and holiday crackers and pops are not allowed. When in doubt, CATSA’s Holiday Travel Guide has a full list of what can and cannot fly. 

Winter floors can be wet and dirty, so wearing socks (or packing a spare pair) makes screening a lot more comfortable if you need to remove your shoes.  

Keep your belongings with you and dress for the weather 

Our friendly commissionaires help travellers in every kind of weather—and they’ve seen all the holiday rush moments. Their top priority is security, at all times of the year. 

“Keep your bags with you at all times, as unattended luggage can pose security risks and create unnecessary delays for everyone,” says Security Detail Supervisor Luis Riveros.  

They also remind travellers that winter in New Brunswick changes quickly. Even if you’re travelling to or from a warm destination, dress for winter weather so that you’ll be comfortable when you’re outside boarding the aircraft or getting to your vehicle. And, if you’re waiting for a taxi or ride on a cold day, Luis wants you to know that the commissionaires are here to help. 

And don’t forget a few comforts we added just for you 

Forgot to download a movie? 

We have fast, free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug-ins for last-minute movie downloads. 

Didn’t pack a book? 

Our Flybrary has new selections added regularly—pick one for your trip or leave one behind for a fellow traveller.  

Need help finding your way? 

GoodMaps provides helpful wayfinding around the terminal, making travel more accessible for everyone. 

Whether you’re heading home, visiting family, or flying somewhere sunny, we hope these tips help make your holiday travel smoother and more joyful. From all of us at YFC, happy holidays and safe travels!