About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines (IATA: 8P, ICAO: PCO) is a Canadian regional airline headquartered at the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Richmond, British Columbia. Founded in 1987, the airline provides scheduled, charter, and cargo services to over 20 destinations throughout British Columbia, making it one of the most connected carriers in the province. Pacific Coastal Airlines is well regarded for its reliable service to remote and underserved communities across coastal and interior British Columbia.
The airline operates under the leadership of Quentin Smith, son of founder Daryl Smith, and continues to serve as a vital transportation link for travellers heading to popular tourist towns, remote First Nations communities, and business hubs across the province. For Malaysian travellers planning a trip to Western Canada, Pacific Coastal Airlines offers convenient connections from Vancouver to scenic destinations such as Tofino, Bella Coola, and the Haida Gwaii archipelago.
Airline Overview and History
Pacific Coastal Airlines was established in 1987 through the merger of Powell Air and the Port Hardy division of Air BC. The airline was founded by Daryl Smith, a former truck logger from Bella Coola who earned his pilot licence to support remote logging camps in British Columbia. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 1987 — Pacific Coastal Airlines officially formed through the merger of Powell Air and the Port Hardy division of Air BC, beginning scheduled service from Vancouver.
- 1995 — Introduced the Shorts 360 aircraft to meet growing demand on central coast routes and fishing lodge charters.
- 1998 — Acquired Wilderness Seaplanes and entered a Capacity Purchase Agreement with Canadian Airlines to operate as a Canadian Partner serving Vancouver to Nanaimo, Comox, and Campbell River.
- 1999 — Added the Saab 340A turboprop to the fleet, increasing passenger capacity on high-demand routes.
- 2018 — Launched the WestJet Link brand under a capacity purchase agreement with WestJet, operating Saab 340 aircraft on select routes.
- 2022 — Celebrated 35 years of continuous operation serving communities throughout British Columbia.
Today, Pacific Coastal Airlines flies to more airports in British Columbia than any other carrier, maintaining its mission to connect remote and regional communities with reliable, affordable air service.
Fleet and Aircraft
Pacific Coastal Airlines operates an all-turboprop fleet suited to the short runways and challenging terrain of British Columbia's coastal and interior regions. The fleet consists of approximately 20 aircraft registered with Transport Canada, plus additional seaplanes under its Wilderness Seaplanes subsidiary. The primary aircraft types include:
- Saab 340A and 340B — Twin-turboprop aircraft seating approximately 34 passengers. Features include overhead luggage bins and an onboard lavatory, making them ideal for longer regional routes.
- Beechcraft 1900C and 1900D — 19-seat turboprop aircraft used on shorter routes and lower-demand sectors. Note that Beechcraft 1900 aircraft do not have overhead bins or an onboard lavatory.
- Shorts 360 — A rugged turboprop used for cargo and charter operations, particularly to central coast destinations.
- Grumman Goose and de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver — Floatplanes operated under the Wilderness Seaplanes brand, serving remote waterfront communities and fishing lodges.
All aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, ensuring the highest safety standards across the fleet.
Top Flight Routes
Pacific Coastal Airlines serves over 20 destinations across British Columbia from its base at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline operates from the South Terminal at YVR, which is separate from the main domestic and international terminals. Popular routes include:
- Vancouver to Powell River — One of the airline's original routes, connecting the Sunshine Coast town to Vancouver in approximately 30 minutes.
- Vancouver to Comox — A popular route serving the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, a gateway to skiing at Mount Washington and beaches along the eastern coast.
- Vancouver to Campbell River — Ideal for travellers heading to world-renowned salmon fishing waters and Strathcona Provincial Park.
- Vancouver to Bella Coola — A lifeline route connecting the remote Bella Coola Valley to the rest of British Columbia.
- Vancouver to Port Hardy — The northern tip of Vancouver Island, a departure point for BC Ferries to the Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.
- Vancouver to Tofino — A seasonal favourite connecting travellers to the surfing and nature destination on Vancouver Island's west coast.
- Vancouver to Victoria — Linking British Columbia's capital city with the province's main international gateway.
- Vancouver to Kelowna and Penticton — Serving the Okanagan Valley wine region and summer holiday destinations.
- Vancouver to Masset — Connecting travellers to the Haida Gwaii archipelago, a UNESCO-listed cultural and natural heritage area.
- Vancouver to Cranbrook — Gateway to the Canadian Rockies, ski resorts, and the Kootenay region.
If you are flying from Malaysia to British Columbia, you can book connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and onward to Vancouver on Traveloka and then connect to Pacific Coastal Airlines' regional network. You may also explore popular routes such as Kuala Lumpur to Sydney or Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne for other scenic destinations.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Pacific Coastal Airlines' baggage allowance varies by fare type. Below is a summary of the airline's baggage policy:
Carry-On Baggage
- Standard article — One carry-on bag or roller, maximum 23 x 40 x 55 cm, weighing up to 10 kg.
- Personal item — One personal item such as a laptop bag, purse, or diaper bag, maximum 16 x 33 x 43 cm, weighing up to 10 kg.
- Note: Beechcraft 1900 aircraft do not have overhead bins, so carry-on items are stowed as valet baggage in the cargo hold and returned upon arrival.
Checked Baggage by Fare Type
- Basic fare — No free checked baggage included.
- Bravo fare — No free checked baggage included; bags must be purchased separately.
- Classic fare — One free checked bag included.
- Encore fare — Two free checked bags included.
Checked Baggage Fees (Basic and Bravo Fares)
- Prepaid online — 1st bag: CAD 36.75, 2nd bag: CAD 57.75, 3rd bag or oversized: CAD 105.00.
- At check-in counter — 1st bag: CAD 47.25, 2nd bag: CAD 68.25, 3rd bag or oversized: CAD 115.50.
Passengers are encouraged to prepay for checked baggage online to enjoy lower rates. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Check-in Guide
Pacific Coastal Airlines offers the following check-in options to ensure a smooth travel experience:
Airport Counter Check-in
- Check-in opens — Passengers should arrive and check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Check-in closes — Check-in and checked baggage acceptance closes 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
- Identification — A valid government-issued photo identification is required at check-in.
Online Check-in
- Pacific Coastal Airlines offers online check-in through its website at res.pacificcoastal.com.
- Online check-in allows passengers to confirm their booking and receive boarding details before arriving at the airport.
- Even after completing online check-in, passengers must still proceed to the check-in counter at the South Terminal if they have checked baggage.
For real-time departure and arrival updates, you can check your flight status on the Traveloka Flight Status page.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Pacific Coastal Airlines operates a single-class cabin configuration across its entire fleet. There is no first class or business class available. Here is what passengers can expect:
- Seating — Seats are assigned at check-in. Advanced seat selection is not available, and extra legroom seats are not offered due to the aircraft layout.
- Saab 340 aircraft — Approximately 34 seats in a 1-2 configuration with overhead luggage bins and an onboard lavatory.
- Beechcraft 1900 aircraft — 19 seats with no overhead bins and no onboard lavatory. Flights on these aircraft are typically shorter in duration.
- In-flight service — As a regional carrier with short flight durations typically ranging from 20 to 90 minutes, Pacific Coastal Airlines does not offer full in-flight meal service, entertainment systems, or beverage cart service. Light refreshments may be available on select routes.
Despite the compact cabin, passengers benefit from large windows and scenic views of British Columbia's mountains, coastline, and forests during their flights.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Pacific Coastal Airlines provides a range of services for passengers with special requirements:
Children and Infants
- Children under the age of 14 must be seated near a parent or guardian in accordance with Canadian Transportation Agency regulations.
- Infants under 2 years of age may travel on a parent's lap at no additional charge, though a separate seat may be purchased for safety.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 8 to 11 may travel as unaccompanied minors for a fee of CAD 52.50 per direction.
- A form must be completed by both the person dropping off and the person picking up the child.
- If the journey involves a connection within the Pacific Coastal Airlines network, a responsible adult must meet the child at the connecting point.
- Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted for travel if a weather advisory has been issued for that flight.
Special Assistance
- Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance or other mobility support should notify the airline at the time of booking.
- Service animals are accepted on board, though children requiring a service animal cannot travel using the unaccompanied minor service.
Pregnant Passengers
- Pregnant passengers are generally accepted for travel. Those in advanced stages of pregnancy are advised to consult their physician before flying and to contact the airline directly at 1-800-663-2872 for any specific requirements.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Pacific Coastal Airlines does not operate a traditional frequent flyer programme. However, the airline offers alternative loyalty and savings options:
- QuikPass — A bulk purchase programme designed for frequent travellers. QuikPass holders enjoy benefits including complimentary checked bags, priority travel protections, 24/7 online account management, priority boarding, no change fees, and discounted fares through pre-paid packages.
- AIR MILES partnership — Pacific Coastal Airlines is a partner of the AIR MILES loyalty programme. Collectors can redeem Dream Miles for flights across the Pacific Coastal Airlines network. Redemptions can be made through the AIR MILES website or by calling the AIR MILES Call Centre.
These options provide frequent flyers with meaningful savings and added convenience when travelling with the airline.
Why Book Pacific Coastal Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy to search, compare, and book Pacific Coastal Airlines flights alongside other carriers. Here are the top reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Easy comparison — Compare Pacific Coastal Airlines fares with other airlines on the same route to find the best deal.
- Flexible payment options — Pay using your preferred method, including credit and debit cards, online banking, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app.
- 24/7 customer support — Access Traveloka's multilingual customer service team at any time for booking assistance, changes, or cancellations.
- Bundle and save — Combine your Pacific Coastal Airlines flight with hotel bookings on Traveloka to unlock bundle discounts.
- Price alerts — Set fare alerts for your preferred Pacific Coastal Airlines route and get notified when prices drop.
Pacific Coastal Airlines Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly features promotions and exclusive deals to help you save on Pacific Coastal Airlines flights. Here are some tips to grab the best fares:
- Check the Traveloka Promos page — Visit the promotions section on the Traveloka app or website for the latest flight deals and discount codes.
- Book early — Pacific Coastal Airlines fares are generally more affordable when booked well in advance, especially for popular routes like Vancouver to Tofino or Campbell River.
- Travel midweek — Flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer lower fares compared to weekend travel.
- Use price alerts — Set up fare alerts on Traveloka to be notified of price drops on your preferred routes.
- Off-peak travel — Consider flying during off-peak seasons such as late autumn and early spring for better rates.
- Combine flights and accommodation — Traveloka's bundling feature lets you pair your flight with a hotel booking for additional savings.
How to Book Pacific Coastal Airlines Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Pacific Coastal Airlines flights on Traveloka is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit the Traveloka website at www.traveloka.com.
- Select Flights from the main menu and enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Browse the search results and use filters to find Pacific Coastal Airlines flights. Compare prices, departure times, and flight durations.
- Select your preferred Pacific Coastal Airlines flight and review the fare details, including baggage allowance and fare conditions.
- Enter the passenger details for all travellers, ensuring names match the identification documents to be used at check-in.
- Choose your preferred payment method. Malaysian travellers can pay using credit or debit cards, online banking, or e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Confirm your booking and complete the payment. Your e-ticket and booking confirmation will be sent to your email and available in the Traveloka app.
- On the day of travel, check in online or arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before departure to check in at the counter.
With Traveloka, booking Pacific Coastal Airlines flights from Malaysia to British Columbia's stunning destinations has never been easier. Start searching today to find the best fares and plan your Canadian adventure.