Vancouver Airport (Day After Closing Ceremonies)

The Vancouver Airport braced for the anticipated huge crowd overwhelming the airport at the close of the Winter Olympics. The papers called for visitors to plan 5-4-3-2-1:

• 5 hours before your flight, check flight status
• 4 hours before your flight, head to airport (used train @ about $3 rather than $30 taxi)
  
• 3 hours before your flight, check baggage/go through security
• 2 hours before your flight, SHOP at the many airport stores
• 1 hour before your flight, be at the gate and be ready to board your plane
  

The crowd never materialized. All was calm and efficient. Passenger screening was the most thorough we've ever experienced. Security checkers examined each and every item including wallets -- for each and every passenger. Some lines also included the option of a body "pat down" or body scanner.