Massive crowds and delays at Vancouver International Airport due to baggage system failure (PHOTOS)
UPDATE – 3:40 pm:
Operations are back to normal after this morning’s baggage system failure.
“Earlier this morning YVR experienced a technical issue with the Transborder baggage system, affecting all US bound passengers,” Steve Hankinson, VP of Operations and Maintenance at YVR, said in a statement. “Operations are YVR are now back to normal. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to our customers and airline partners.”
EARLIER:
Thousands of travellers at Vancouver International Airport are facing long queues after an apparent failure of the terminal’s baggage drop system.
Officials with the Vancouver Airport Authority say the delays are minor, but some frustrated would-be passengers have reported on social media that they have been waiting for as long as three hours.
According to staff, the issue is impacting flights bound for the United States.
An issue w/ the baggage system has caused minor delays for US departing flights. Please check your flight status at yvr.ca.
— Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) April 1, 2017
Ever seen a baggage drop line so long? @yvrairport this is ridiculous t-minus 3 hours to drop your bag 💼 #vancouver pic.twitter.com/PEplSwxlmk
— Christie (@_cehors) April 1, 2017
Lines are even wrapping and extending to the terminal’s hallways. Those waiting in line are reportedly receiving snacks and water from airport staff.
It is unclear whether outgoing flights will be delayed due to the major delays. Issues with the baggage conveyance system began early this morning.
There is no indication of when conditions could return to normal, however, passengers are being told to check the status of their flight on their airline’s website or the flight information section on YVR’s website before coming to the airport.
YVR staff handing out cookies and water but still no closer to dropping off luggage after 90 min in line. @yvrairport pic.twitter.com/g8L076EDQK
— JHum (@Wafflegeek2000) April 1, 2017
This is the line up to put your checked bag onto the belt prior to US Customs. @yvrairport #yvrfail pic.twitter.com/VCLHCBqnTT
— Keith Quan (@zr1100c3) April 1, 2017
@yvrairport baggage drop line currently #technical #problems #airportnightmare #fixyourshit #aprilfoolsdayfail #vancity #travel pic.twitter.com/0zGOu5LnjE
— Kelly Williams (@kelbelle970) April 1, 2017
It’s not getting better @yvrairport !!! Wow it’s crazy. #yvr #magician #magichampion #shawnfarquhar https://t.co/EoDKsGasG0 pic.twitter.com/DvCEBZq5pR
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) April 1, 2017
Baggage conveyor belt at @yvrairport is broken, huge line up to drop off your luggage. This isn’t even half the line up. pic.twitter.com/R8ZCiTMQoJ
— Tina Lovgreen (@tinalovgreen) April 1, 2017
Wow the luggage belt system at @yvrairport is broken! The line is insane to drop off a bag… place your bets if I… https://t.co/Su3XvSzpLs pic.twitter.com/S9FOHNqg8j
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) April 1, 2017
#LHR was quieter at Christmas than @yvrairport is today with their baggage system apparently down. Good thing I’m early! pic.twitter.com/D7VZBekyZM
— Alyshia Higgins (@alyshia_lynn) April 1, 2017
@yvrairport 1 conveyer belt for all flights to the US? We’re about 200 pox in line just to drop our bags. Nice job! pic.twitter.com/T5WjlnRbkx
— Michael Aagaard (@ContentVerve) April 1, 2017
@yvrairport your service this morning has been deplorable. This is the lineup just to drop off bags. @WestJet have been the only ones helpin pic.twitter.com/tJzMc3UTiz
— Robert Lacey (@heremolie) April 1, 2017