Full-Speed Ahead for Vancouver International

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 10, 2013) - Airports are a necessary, tolerated component of air travel. They are merely a brief stop on people's journeys, yet one's airport experience can set the tone for an entire trip. Vancouver International Airport is doing its part to make the experience positive for most, based on a new poll by FlightNetwork.com ranking the nation's worst airports.

This was the third year of the survey which measures traveller opinions on airport improvements, pet peeves and overall service in Canada's five highest-traffic airports. While Vancouver ranked third as 'the worst' Canadian airport, it finished well below perennial list-topper Pearson International, which was overwhelmingly deemed the worst by 71.3% of respondents, followed by Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport in a distant second (12.8%). Vancouver (8.3%), ahead of Edmonton International Airport (4.0%), and Calgary International (3.5%).

The poll had some positive elements as well, recognizing numerous upgrades at Canada's busiest airports that addressed the most common traveler pet peeves. The FlightNetwork.com poll identified long lines at check-in (40.4%), delays clearing security (28.5%), long waits retrieving baggage (14.8%), meager food and drink options (11.1%), and lack of shopping options (5.5%), as the top annoyances travellers face.

Vancouver addressed wait times this year with the addition of its new high-speed baggage system, helping passengers get their bags and on their way. This was deemed the Best Canadian Airport Improvement, topping the list with 27.6% of respondents. Pearson's popular perks from the past year included self-serve border clearance, new dining options, and tabletop iPads (for food orders and flight tracking).

"Vancouver is a very well-run airport and continues to improve and help keep travellers moving and happy," said Naman Budhdeo, CEO of FlightNetwork.com. "It ranks among the five busiest airports in the country, but manages to regularly upgrade services and satisfy customers."

The FlightNetwork.com poll was conducted through Google Consumer Surveys. Each question received approximately 1000 unique responses from Canadian residents and offered demographic breakdowns. Access to specific poll insights is available in an infographic and in FlightNetwork.com's blog post.

About FlightNetwork.com (www.flightnetwork.com)

As one of Canada's leaders in online travel, FlightNetwork.com delivers the lowest airfares from the top airlines by offering consumers access to over 2 million bulk rates on cheap flights negotiated with major airlines. Its proprietary flight booking engine offers last second booking and the exclusive ability to 'mix and match' fares - the only Canadian online travel agency that allows booking on different airlines for departure and return flights to get the lowest fares possible. Backing up Flight Network's award-winning online service are over 120 insightful travel specialists in the FlightNetwork.com call centre who ensure that customers successfully book the best travel deals.

FlightNetwork.com's Price Drop Protection plan is a unique, free program, exclusive to FlightNetwork.com customers on all economy flights, vacations and hotels. The Price Drop Deal is unlimited on all domestic, USA and international flights, as well as vacations and hotel bookings. If you book with FlightNetwork.com, and the price drops after you book, you will get the difference credited back.