Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Destinations > Americas > Canada
Reload this Page >

Same plane turnaround in YUL to/from the US

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Same plane turnaround in YUL to/from the US

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 12, 2016, 7:57 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Same plane turnaround in YUL to/from the US

I'm trying to position myself to YUL in order to start an international itinerary. Both segments will be on AA(LUS), same plane with a turnaround time of 35mins. I know MCT is 1hr/1:30. However I'm wondering if it would be doable, without luggage of course. I know I need to use the US pre-clearance. I've transited in YVR before and the experience was rather quick and painless.

Does anyone have experience with connecting to the US? Are the formalities rather extensive or could I get through in 15-20minutes? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
jona970318 is offline  
Old Jan 13, 2016, 10:07 am
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K MM, BA-S HH-D, MB-G LT Sil, IHG-Plt, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 3,802
You will need to go through Canadian Immigration and Customs, go land-side, then pass through US pre-clearance (immigration, customs, security). Even if you have access to NEXUS (more or less a Canadian version of Global Entry) I don't think 35 mins is enough.
--
13F
Seat13F_AC_CRJ is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 6:32 am
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Originally Posted by Seat13F_AC_CRJ
You will need to go through Canadian Immigration and Customs, go land-side, then pass through US pre-clearance (immigration, customs, security). Even if you have access to NEXUS (more or less a Canadian version of Global Entry) I don't think 35 mins is enough.
--
13F

Is there a way to make direct transit without having to clear Canadian customs?
jona970318 is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 7:09 am
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K MM, BA-S HH-D, MB-G LT Sil, IHG-Plt, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 3,802
Originally Posted by jona970318
Is there a way to make direct transit without having to clear Canadian customs?
No. It is not possible when arriving from the US and returning to the US. If arriving from US and leaving on an International flight, there is a simplified immigration process, but still no direct transfer.
--
13F
Seat13F_AC_CRJ is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 7:14 am
  #5  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Originally Posted by jona970318
Is there a way to make direct transit without having to clear Canadian customs?
There is no way to do a Trans border to Trans border transit. You will have to clear CBSA entry procedures, U.S. CBP pre clearance, and CATSA security screening before boarding your next flight. Highly unlikely in 35 minutes.
industry_killer is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 7:20 am
  #6  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
AA rules require pax to be at the departure gate no later than T-30 from international (including Canada) departures. While AA won't generally offload you at T-30, if the flight is overbooked and at risk of oversale, AA will do so to prevent IDB/VDB.

As others note, there is no way to prevent entering Canada and then going through US pre-clearance. CBSA will be expedited, but nonetheless a process. No such thing as "transit" as might exist in some countries.
Often1 is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 11:12 am
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Originally Posted by Seat13F_AC_CRJ
No. It is not possible when arriving from the US and returning to the US. If arriving from US and leaving on an International flight, there is a simplified immigration process, but still no direct transfer.
--
13F
Originally Posted by Often1
As others note, there is no way to prevent entering Canada and then going through US pre-clearance. CBSA will be expedited, but nonetheless a process. No such thing as "transit" as might exist in some countries.
Thank you all for your responses! Knowing its a "simplified" process, what does that entail? Would it require going landside?
jona970318 is offline  
Old Jan 14, 2016, 2:17 pm
  #8  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
Same plane turnaround in YUL to/from the US

It is only simplified if you are connecting to an international flight, you will still have either the NEXUS, APM, or booth to go to for CBSA since you are terminating and starting a new journey in Canada. There is no way around having to enter Canada to be able to re-enter the US at YUL and stay airside, the system is not built for what you are trying.
industry_killer is offline  
Old Jan 15, 2016, 6:16 am
  #9  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K MM, BA-S HH-D, MB-G LT Sil, IHG-Plt, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 3,802
Originally Posted by jona970318
Thank you all for your responses! Knowing its a "simplified" process, what does that entail? Would it require going landside?
The simplified process is for Intl-Intl or US-Intl. You have an immigration screening, but you stay airside.

But for any transit from International or US to a Canadian or a US destination, you must go landside.
Seat13F_AC_CRJ is offline  
Old Jan 15, 2016, 7:31 am
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Originally Posted by industry_killer
It is only simplified if you are connecting to an international flight, you will still have either the NEXUS, APM, or booth to go to for CBSA since you are terminating and starting a new journey in Canada. There is no way around having to enter Canada to be able to re-enter the US at YUL and stay airside, the system is not built for what you are trying.
Originally Posted by Seat13F_AC_CRJ
The simplified process is for Intl-Intl or US-Intl. You have an immigration screening, but you stay airside.

But for any transit from International or US to a Canadian or a US destination, you must go landside.
Ouch. I originally had a backup plan of taking the next flight back(couldn't include in original itinerary due to several minutes below MCT in PHL). Just realized the flights are constantly delayed, now I'm inclined to not risk it since I'm connecting on an international flight.

Thank you all again for your insights!
jona970318 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.