Domestic and international pickups differ
YVR publishes separate public pickup guidance for domestic and international arrivals, and commercial vehicles follow their own operating procedures. Do not assume a driver can simply wait at any curb. Prearranged services should provide specific meeting instructions.
Arrival time is not pickup-ready time
Passengers may need to deplane, walk to baggage claim, collect luggage and, for international arrivals, complete immigration and customs. YVR suggests that larger groups schedule pickup approximately 45 minutes to an hour after flight arrival and coordinate directly with their commercial operator.
Communication prevents missed connections
The passenger and transportation company should exchange mobile numbers. If several flights feed one group transfer, the latest flight often determines the pickup schedule. A designated group leader or greeter makes large arrivals easier to manage.
Agree on the meeting method before the flight
There are two common approaches: an inside meet-and-greet, where a greeter or chauffeur waits at an agreed point, or a curbside collection after the passenger confirms they are ready. Neither method is automatically better. The right choice depends on whether the traveller knows the airport, whether assistance is useful, and how much flexibility the pickup needs after baggage or customs.
Keep the passenger contactable
The most useful arrival detail after the flight number is a working mobile number. Travellers should turn on their phone after landing and check any message from the transportation provider before moving to a pickup point. Groups should nominate one lead passenger so a chauffeur is not trying to coordinate with several people at once.
Separate flight delay from passenger delay
Flight tracking can help an operator react to an early or late aircraft, but it does not reveal how long passengers will take to collect bags or clear formalities. That is why clear waiting-time terms matter. Before booking, ask when complimentary waiting starts, when additional waiting charges begin and what happens if the passenger cannot be reached.
When you are ready to compare a provider
After the route, timing and vehicle requirements are clear, you can compare private transportation and request a rate. Compare the provider’s current availability, complete quoted price, vehicle details and terms against the planning points in this guide before booking.
