The Ottawa Airport is notorious for losing checked bags or for bags not accompanying your flight (personal experience from a few IHT Team members). It is recommended you bring a change of clothes with you on the plane just in case.

If you are transiting to the United States from another city in Canada via Ottawa be very careful of your checked luggage as it will not be automatically transferred to your US destination. This is despite contradictionary advice given by airline agents. You NEED to pick-up your luggage at the carousel belt in Ottawa and re-check your luggage otherwise your bag will remain in Ottawa. There is no real logic to why this process in in place other than lack of resources available at the Ottawa Airport to simply transfer your bags for you.

Disabled Facilities at the YOW Ottawa Airport

Specific spaces on both the Ottawa Airport Arrivals and Departures curbs are reserved for drivers who possess a handicapped parking permit and who need to leave their car unattended temporarily (no more than 20 minutes). Drivers without permits, who are dropping off disabled passengers can make a prior arrangement with the airport authority in order to use these facilities.

Passengers with impaired mobility are advised to contact their airline prior to departure in order to ensure all your needs are met.

TTY phones are located throughout the terminal. Flight information and emergency notices are displayed on electronic signs for the hearing impaired. The airport is also fitted with tile patterns and textured flooring to assist people with visual impairments to make their way around. Elevators / lifts are equipped with Braille and voice announcements.

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Last Updated: 28 Feb 2025

By Steve Romaine

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