FAQ's
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- Q: Approximately how much fuel does a DeHavilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otter use on its scheduled routes?
- A: The approximate fuel used per route is as follows:
• Vancouver to Victoria – 200lbs
• Richmond to Victoria – 200lbs
• Langley to Victoria – 200lbs
• Vancouver to Nanaimo – 150lbs
• Richmond to Nanaimo – 150lbs
- Q: What is the Carbon Neutral program?
- A: All fares include a carbon offset that is used to mitigate the environmental impact of Green House Gases (GHG) emitted by our Aircraft by working in partnership with Vancouver-based Offsetters Climate Neutral Society, Canada’s pre-eminent provider of high quality carbon offsets for individuals and companies seeking to reduce or eliminate their climate impact. It is a not-for-profit company that invests funds into renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that would not have taken place without its involvement. For more information, please see
- Q: Who is Offsetters.ca?
- A: Offsetters Climate Neutral Society is Canada’s pre-eminent provider of high quality carbon offsets. Offsetters.ca works with individuals and businesses to calculate, track, reduce, and finally offset their greenhouse gas emissions. It was founded in 2005 by two climate experts from the University of British Columbia:
Dr. James Tansey, originally from the James Martin Institute for Science and Civilization at the University of Oxford and now at the University of British Columbia, and
Dr. Hadi Dowlatabadi at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia. For more information, visit - Q: How does Harbour Air’s emissions profile compare to that of its competitors?
- A: Harbour Air’s single engine Otter is already a more climate friendly way to get to between Vancouver island and the Mainland than many of its competitors. For a single traveler going harbour to harbour (Vancouver/Victoria), Harbour Air is cleaner than driving and taking the ferry, jet, and heli-jet or Twin Otter. For more information, please see
- Q: How soon before flight time should I check in?
- A: In order to operate on-time and efficiently, we require passengers to check in 25 minutes prior to departure time. Unclaimed seats will be offered to stand-by passengers within 15 minutes of departure time.
- Q: Do you have a discount program?
- A: Yes! By joining our High Flyer Rewards Program you can earn points for every flight! Redeem points for Harbour Air and Westcoast Air flights, souvenirs, gifts, Victoria and Vancouver restaurant vouchers, and many more offerings. For more information about the High Flyer Program, please see
High Flyer Rewards
Alternately, Prepaid Quicktickets and Air Bucks programs start with minimum of 10% off full fare rates. Prepaid Quicktickets are purchased in the form of prepaid books of 10 tickets each and the discount increases as more books are purchased. Air Bucks are prepaid electronic travel credits – very similar to a prepaid gift card you can draw on, but with extra bonus travel credits deposited the more you buy at one time.
For more information about Prepaid Quicktickets and Air Bucks, please see - Q: How does the shuttle bus service operate?
- A: Our shuttle is a complimentary, service to help get you where you need to be. Upon arrival in Vancouver or Victoria there is a service area available within the downtown offices and hotels. In Richmond(YVR), the shuttle is available to the South or Main Terminals of the Vancouver International Airport.
Pick up at the Vancouver International airport is available by request only. At your arrival, please make your way to Level 1 of the Domestic terminal where the shuttle pick-up area is located. Once there, please use the phone available to you in the lobby and dial *30 as indicated. This will re-direct you to our shuttle driver, who will in turn advise you of the pick-up time.
Please note that all pick up times are approximate and may take up to 30 minutes. For more information, please see - Q: Do I need to show photo ID at check in?
- A: We do require photo identification for anyone 16 years or older upon check-in. Please have ID prepared before checking in for your flight.
- Q: Do you send freight or packages?
- A: Harbour Air & Westcoast Air offer a convenient Parcel Express Service between the Lower Mainland and the Islands. For rates and services, please see
- Q: Can I bring my pet with me?
- A: The Harbour Air Group welcomes everyone on board, including pets! If you are traveling with a pet, please be aware of the following requirements when making a reservation:
· Safety First! Pets must be traveling in a hard-shelled travel carrier. No part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier. All carriers must be secure and leak proof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted. We want to keep your pet as safe as possible since your pet will be transported in the baggage / cargo area of the aircraft.
· Both travel carrier and the weight of the pet are included in the stated passenger luggage allowance, i.e. 25lbs unless stated otherwise.
· Carrier must not exceed 30"L (76cm) X 18"W (45cm) X 24"H (61cm). (Medium Size Kennel)
· Pet Comfort – The pet kennel be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, as per international regulations. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Harbour Air reserves the right to refuse transport.
· Multiple pets in one crate will be authorized provided the total weight complies with the stated luggage allowance and pets are used to cohabitation.
· Certified Assistance dogs may travel without a kennel but will require an approved harness (ie. Vest Harness) which will be secured on board. Prior notification is required.
- Q: How many seats are in your aircraft?
- A: We have various aircraft within our fleet that can accommodate between one and eighteen passengers. For more information, please see
- Q: Do you offer stand-by fares?
- A: Harbour Air & Westcoast Air offer the following Stand-by Fares:
Student Stand-by Fare
Available to post-secondary students with a valid, current Post Secondary ID Card, including photo and expiry date.
Senior Stand-by
Available to passengers 65 years and older, with valid, current, Government Issued Photo ID.
Stand-by service is subject to availability. Please approach an agent upon arrival at the terminal to be added to the stand-by list. Stand-by passengers may be confirmed 15 minutes prior to departure, if there is availability. Full-fare stand-by passengers receive priority for seat availability over discount stand-by fares. Stand-by sevice is only available to and from Gulf Island Pick-up Points if the aircraft is already scheduled to depart or arrive there. To ensure the aircraft will stop at the requested pick-up point for that flight, please contact the Reservations Call Center at - Q: How long is the flight?
- A: The flight times are as follows:
•Victoria/Vancouver or Langley - 35 minutes
•Victoria/Richmond(YVR) - 30 minutes
•Nanaimo/Vancouver or Richmond(YVR) - 20 minutes
• Vancouver to Sechelt - 20 minutes
• Vancouver to Comox - 50 minutes
•Gulf Islands/Vancouver - Times are based on routing.
Please contact an agent for more information on Gulf Islands flight times. - Q: What is the luggage allowance?
- A: Our confirmed luggage allowance is 25lb (11.5kg) per person on most routes. For service between Richmond (YVR) and Victoria or Nanaimo the luggage allowance is 50lb (23kg) per person. For more information, please see
- Q: Do you operate any aircraft with two pilots?
- A: Yes, our DeHavilland DHC-6 Turbine Twin Otters operate the aircraft with two pilots.
- Q: How do I know my emissions will be Offset?
- A: All Offsetters.ca projects that receive funds from Harbour Air Seaplanes and Westcoast Air will be verified and monitored by a third party as generating emissions reductions that are real, permanent, and additional (ie. they would not have taken place without its involvement). This allows Harbour Air and Westcoast Air and its guests to be confident that their contribution results in tangible climate benefits. For more information, please see
- Q: How long has Harbour Air been operating?
- A: Harbour Air and Westcoast Air have been in operation for over 25 years. For more information, please see
- Q: Do you accept Unaccompanied Minors?
- A: Yes! Harbour Air & Westcoast Air accept Unaccompanied Minors with the following requirements:
• Minor must be between the ages of 5 and 11.
• Unaccompanied Minors Fare is the same as the Adult Fare.
• Please allow more time at check in to fill in required documentation.
• Pick up and drop off guardians are required to show picture ID.
• Unfortunately, Unaccompanied Minors will not be accepted when the weather is possibly going to, or has affected our normal flight operations.
For more information regarding Unaccompanied Minors please contact the Reservations Call Center at - Q: How fast are your aircraft?
- A: The aircraft speeds are as follows:
• DeHavilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otter – 130mph
• DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver- 110mph
• DeHavilland DHC-6 Turbine Twin Otter - 170mph
• Cessna 185 – 130mph
- Q: Do you have a Change/Cancellation Policy?
- A: Changes and cancellations to your reservation can be made free of charge up to 15 minutes prior to departure time. Unclaimed seats can be sold to stand-by passengers within 15 minutes of departure time and a no-show fee of 100% will be charged for unclaimed seats.
Changes and cancellations for the Gulf Islands locations can be made free of charge up to 1 hour prior to departure time. - Q: Do you require children to be seated in a car seat when on the aircraft?
- A: Child seats are not required by Transport Canada, but a child seat approved for motor vehicle use may be used if it will fit properly in the seat.
- Q: Are pregnant passengers permitted to fly?
- A: A woman in any stage of pregnancy is welcome to fly! Women past 36 weeks must consult a physician and obtain a written confirmation stating they are acceptable for travel and to mitigate the chance that the seatbelt will compromise the pregnancy.
- Q: Why do you ask for my body weight?
- A: Along with Transport Canada Regulations Safety and Service are core values at Harbour Air and Westcoast Air and we feel that in order to better service our passengers it is in everyone's best interest to obtain real weights whenever possible. This will reduce the chance of overbooked flights due to aircraft being loaded above safe parameters, which results in our flights being on-time and safe.
- Q: Why am I sometimes asked to move seats once on the aircraft?
- A: Safety is a core value at Harbour Air and Westcoast Air and although we do realize it may be inconvenient to have you move to a different seat, when our flight load is maximized our aircraft require weight to be moved forward in order to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.
- Q: Where do I go for technical support?
- A: Please contact our IT Coordinator, at online@harbourair.com for technical assistance. For any other inquiries regarding Harbour Air & Westcoast Air High Flyer program, please contact our Account Coordinator at ddisini@harbourair.com.
- Q: Do you offer Infant and Child fares?
- A: Yes. Infants fly free of charge until the age of 2. Children between the ages of 2 - 11 receive a discounted child fare when accompanied with an adult.
For more information regarding child fares contact the Reservations
.
- Q: Are there different levels of membership?
- A: Harbour Air/Westcoast Air High Flyer program offers a two tier status level. High Flyer points are calculated on an annual basis to determine membership status.
The qualification levels for Harbour Air/Westcoast Air Tier status are as follows:
Level 1: High Flyer = 0-99 Flights
Level 2: Elite = 100 + Flights
- Q: Where do I go for technical support?
- A: Please contact our IT Coordinator, at online@harbourair.com for technical assistance. For any other inquiries regarding Harbour Air/Westcoast Air High Flyer program, please contact our Accounts Coordinator at ddisini@harbourair.com or 604-233-2643.
- Q: Can more than one person share the same account?
- A: Yes
- Families: parents + children when registered together
- Corporate/Ministries: administrator + employees when registered together
- Q: Do I accumulate points on discounted flights?
- A: Yes, points are accumulated at a rate of 10% off the base fare.
- Q: How does HF program work when my Travel Agent books?
- A: Travel Agents are not eligible to the program. Please provide your card upon check-in to ensure you receive your points.
- Q: How do I track my rewards?
- A: High Flyer members may check their points balance and account information online at www.harbourair.com & www.westcoastair.com. Members may also contact our Reservation Centre at 1-800-665-0212 or ask our customer service representatives upon check-in.
- Q: Will I receive a statement?
- A: No. High Flyer’s account information is available online at any time.
- Q: Do I have to pay fees and taxes on my flight?
- A: High Flyer points must cover the cost of the full flight including HST.
- Q: Can more than one person share the same account?
- A: Yes. The current configuration is as follows:
- Individual
- Family
- Corporate
Members are listed under each membership with the redemption rights of each member. Redemption rights can be changed by the main cardholder only at any time. - Q: Can I pay for my flight with partial payment?
- A: No. Passengers must earn the full amount of points needed to redeem a one-way flight or buy points at a rate of $3.00 = 1 point.
- Q: Can I use my points for someone other than myself?
- A: Yes. Members may book and redeem flights for other passengers.
- Q: Can my account by re-activated?
- A: Passengers can re-activate their accounts for a fee of $30 or 30 points.
- Q: Can I redeem points on other airlines?
- A: No. High Flyer points are redeemable for Harbour Air and Westcoast Air flights only.
- Q: Does Harbour Air offer any other rewards than flights?
- A: High Flyer points can be redeemed for restaurant and merchandise gift certificates. Please visit our website for more information on how to redeem your points http://www.harbour-air.com/high_flyer_redeem.php .
- Q: Do my points expire?
- A: All points expire after 2 years from the last day of flying.
- Q: Can I make changes or cancel a redemption seat?
- A: Yes, passengers can change or cancel their seat up to 15 minutes prior departure free of charge.
- Q: Are there restrictions on available redemption seats?
- A: No, points can be used to pay for any scheduled flights at the full fare rate and at any time of the year
- Q: Can I redeem points on Harbour Air/Westcoast Air gift cards?
- A: Only Elite members have the possibility to redeem points for Harbour Air/Westcoast Air gift cards.
- Q: Is there a cost to join?
- A: No, there is no cost to join.
- Q: Do I have to pay fees and taxes on my flight?
- A: High Flyer points must cover the cost of the full flights including HST and fuel surcharge (if applicable).
- Q: Will I receive points for previous flights?
- A: Harbour Air/Westcoast Air High Flyer program is 3 months retroactive from the day passengers register.
- Q: How do I redeem High Flyer points and book flights?
- A: To redeem your points for free flights simply make your reservation(s) as normal (via our Call Centre or online), bring your ID with you upon check in - points will be redeemed at the counter. Note that points cannot be redeemed online for flights.
- Q: How many High Flyer points do I need to earn a flight?
- A: Members must have enough points to cover the complete transaction at the regular fare. Members cannot redeem for any discounted flights. Partial payment with points is not accepted.
- Q: How do I accumulate points?
- A: Points are accumulated at a rate of 10% per flight
- Q: Am I already registered into the program if I have flown Harbour Air?
- A: No. Please complete the form online at http://www.harbour-air.com/request_card.php or ask for our agents to sign you up upon check-in.
- Q: How do I sign up?
- A: You can enroll in the High Flyer Program online at http://www.harbour-air.com/request_card.php and at our counters.
- Q: Will I get a membership card?
- A: Yes, upon registration, members will receive a High Flyer card that will identify them as Harbour Air/Westcoast Air membership holders.
- Q: Where are you located?
- A: For more information, please see
Locations, and select a location or pick-up point.
- Q: Do you permit transportation of firearms and ammunition?
- A: Firearms and ammunition are permitted on the aircraft only under the following restrictions:
Firearms
• Only permitted in checked luggage, and must be disclosed to the customer service agent, and placed in our secure baggage compartment.
• Cannot be loaded with any type of ammunition (including blanks).
• Firing mechanism must be removed from the firearm and sent separately.
Ammunition
• Quantities cannot exceed 11lb (5kg) gross weight per person.
• Only permitted in checked luggage and must be securely packaged.
• Allowances for more than one passenger must not be combined into one or more packages.
• Explosive or incendiary projectile ammunition is forbidden on the aircraft.
- Q: What is the luggage allowance?
- A: Our confirmed luggage allowance is 25lb (11.5kg) per person on most routes. For service between Richmond (YVR) and Victoria or Nanaimo the luggage allowance is 50lb (23kg) per person. For more information, please see
- Q: Can I travel with my oxygen concentrator?
- A: Yes, the following Oxygen Concentrators models are approved to fly on Harbour Air/West Coast Air aircraft:
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi Medical Systems RS-00400
- DeVilbiss Healthcare’s iGo
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- International Biophysics Corporation’s LifeChoiice
- Invacare XPO2
- Invacare Solo2
- Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator
- Respironics EverGo
- SeQual Eclipse
**Please note that Oxygen Generators are forbidden for travel.
- Q: Can I charter a private aircraft?
- A: If you wish to charter an aircraft, our Charter department will be able to help you. For more information, please see
- Q: Where can I rent a car?
- A: Budget-Rent-a-Car is our transportation partner. When you make a flight reservation, allow one of our agents to book a rental car for you at the same time. We've negotiated great rates just for you!
- Q: Is parking available at your locations?
- A: Pay Parking is available in Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and Langley. Free parking is available in Richmond(YVR). At our Vancouver location, let our staff look after your parking needs with our Valet Service. For more information, please see
Services
•Pay Parking available in Vancouver through EasyPark.
•Pay Parking available in Victoria through the City of Victoria.
•Pay Parking available in Nanaimo through Robbins Parking Service Ltd.
- Q: What is required for a Budget car rental?
- A: Budget car renters must be over 25 years of age with a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a hold a major credit card in their name.
- Q: Do you accept Unaccompanied Minors?
- A: Yes! Harbour Air accepts Unaccompanied Minors with the following requirements:
• Minor must be between the ages of 5 and 11.
• Unaccompanied Minors Fare is the same as the Adult Fare.
• Please allow more time at check in to fill in required documentation.
• Pick up and drop off guardians are required to show picture ID.
• Unfortunately, Unaccompanied Minors will not be accepted when the weather is possibly going to, or has affected our normal flight operations.
For more information regarding Unaccompanied Minors please contact the Reservations Call Center at - Q: Can I fly if I am in a wheelchair?
- A: You must be ambulatory in order to fly with the ability to walk on and off the aircraft with minimal or no assistance.
Please contact the Reservations Department for more information.