We hope we can answer your questions regarding operations during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.  If you do not find the answer to your question below, please feel free to ask a Helijet Representative or email us at passengerservices@helijet.com        

Will Helijet and the Vancouver Harbour Heliport be operating during the Olympic Games period?

Yes, Helijet will be operating scheduled and charter air services from our existing Heliport locations with slightly modified flight schedules during the February 12-28, 2010 Games period.
From January 27 until March 3, 2010 at Vancouver Harbour Heliport will be operating on extended hours, there will also be some minor changes related to Heliport vehicular access and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) screening of passengers, personal baggage and cargo prior to air travel.

What will be the most convenient way to access your Vancouver Harbour Heliport during the Games period?

Although vehicle access and parking will be available, the immediate area will most likely be congested and somewhat restrictive during the Games. Given the anticipated volume of vehicles, we strongly encourage alternate modes of transportation to reach the Vancouver Harbour Heliport. Public transit will be enhanced with stops for buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, Canada Line and WestCoast Express located a short walking distance to the Heliport.  In addition, for Helijet passengers, Helijet will have a designated curbside passenger zone on Cordova Street outside The Waterfront Station (west of Granville Street, kitty corner to the Station). Passengers can be picked up or dropped off here and it is a short walk through the Station’s Seabus concourse/bridge to reach the Heliport. (follow the signs to Heliport).  For more information on getting around Vancouver during the 2010 Games, visit TravelSmart2010.ca.

Will I be able to walk to your Vancouver Harbour Heliport, from the Vancouver core?

Yes, taking public transit and walking to the Heliport will be one of the quickest and easiest methods to access your flight.  Walk via Waterfront Station’s Seabus concourse/bridge through to the designated Heliport exit in the SeaBus terminal then the short walk following the designated path along Waterfront Road to our regular pedestrian pathway will be the same as today. Heliport Passengers and Cargo Customers may be asked to show ‘proof of business’ with Helijet in the form of your same-day itinerary, charter confirmation or the parcel labelled “Ship by Helijet.”

Will your Helijet courtesy shuttle van be in service?

Victoria Harbour Heliport and Vancouver Airport (south side) courtesy shuttle vans will be operating as normal.

At Vancouver Harbour Heliport expect some changes. Vehicle access to Waterfront Road will be via Main Street only (Cordova Street access will be closed). Due to the anticipated traffic volumes on Waterfront Road related to the activity at the Main Media Centre (an official 2010 Winter Games venue) the Helijet courtesy shuttle van will be positioned at the Helijet curbside passenger zone on Cordova Street in front of The Waterfront Station. A short walk through The Station’s Seabus concourse will be the quickest way to get passengers to their ultimate destination.

Passengers with limited mobility and/or special needs please advise a Helijet Reservations agent by phone prior to travel. This will help Helijet ensure your check-in and flight experience will be as pleasant as possible.
If travelling to Vancouver Harbour please also advise us if you have someone who will pick you up or if you require specialty transportation so we can make special arrangements for this vehicle to pass the security checkpoint on Waterfront Road in order access the terminal to pick you up.

I want to pick up a friend/associate; can I drive to your Heliport/s to pick them up?

At Victoria Harbour Heliport and Vancouver Airport (south side) locations, there are no changes in driving or walking to/from our locations.

At Vancouver Harbour Heliport, we recommend pick up and drop off to take place on Cordova Street in front of The Waterfront Station, at the designated Helijet curbside passenger zone.  The Heliport will only be a drop off zone, no pick up is allowed,  therefore if you are flying into the Vancouver Harbour Heliport we recommend securing a taxi or meeting your ride on Cordova Street.
As mentioned above please advise a Helijet Agent if your friend or family member has limited mobility or special needs that requires a specialty vehicle to pick them up at the terminal so we can make special arrangements for the vehicle to access the Vancouver Harbour Terminal.

Can I still drive to your Heliport locations, and park my vehicle?

Yes – with some minor changes only at the Vancouver Harbour Heliport.

Vancouver Harbour Heliport on Waterfront Road will be accessible by vehicles via Main Street only (Cordova St. access will be closed). 

Once on Waterfront Road, vehicles will encounter a checkpoint.  At the checkpoint, passengers will be asked for verification of business with Helijet or other helicopter operators using the Heliport.  Passengers must show a printed or electronic/email same day travel itinerary or charter confirmation and Cargo customers must show the parcel noted “Ship by Helijet”.

Vehicle screening related to the Main Media Centre (at Canada Place) will be in place directly in front of the Heliport's east driveway/gate. This screening process does not apply to Heliport users/Helijet passengers, you will be able to access the Heliport parking lot by the eastern driveway/gate approximately 200 metres to the east of our regular driverway. (watch for signage). 

How early will I have to check-in?

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (“CATSA”) and Helijet are recommending passengers arrive at least 1 hour prior to departure time for all flights from any Helijet Passenger terminal.

What is the check-in process when I get to your Passenger terminal?

CATSA representatives will be in positioned at all Helijet check-in Terminals to inspect all passengers and baggage prior to boarding any Helijet flight. (or any other third party helicopter flight).

Once passengers and their bags are checked-in for their flight by a Helijet representative, they can proceed to the CATSA security desk where all persons and baggage will be security screened.  After screening is complete passengers will be asked to wait in the designated ‘secured’ waiting area within the Helijet terminal. If passengers must leave this area for any reason they will have to complete the screening process again.  Please refer to the CATSA website for details on security, baggage and travel restrictions or requirements. Please note all passengers must be checked in and proceeding through security at least 30 minutes prior to departure

http://www.catsa.gc.ca/english/help_aide/faq/preparation_preparatifs.shtml 

All passengers are reminded they must carry valid government issued photo identification for presentation at check-in and to security officers.  CATSA and Helijet are recommending passengers arrive at least 1 hour in advance for all flights from any Helijet terminal.

What happens when I arrive at my destination?

Upon arrival no changes other than the previously mentioned transportation modifications are expected.