Talk about planning ahead. The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games haven’t even started, but months ago officials at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) started making plans for the day the games end.

It makes sense. During the games, athletes and fans will come and go. So there will be crowds at the airport, but it shouldn’t be too overwhelming.

But once the closing ceremonies take place, everyone will be ready to clear out. And on the day after the games end, YVR expects to have its biggest traffic day ever.

But the airport is ready. Officials know everyone will be so anxious about the crowds at the airport that they’re going to try to arrive extra early. So early that they may end up hanging around the airport for hours. And that will muck up the works.

So in an attempt to keep folks with early hotel check-out times but late afternoon or evening flights from showing up at the airport too early, the airport has asked all area hotels to offer late check-out on the day after the closing ceremonies.

They’re also asking the hotels to place this sign on everyone’s door.

Will it help?  We’ll find out soon enough.

But city-wide late check-out on the day after a big event?  Now that’s a great idea.