Originally Posted by
swag
Airspace is irrelevant. A nonstop flight from Canada to the Caribbean over US airspace is no different than a nonstop flight from Canada that just flies over open international waters. You won't interact with US TSA in any way.
On the other hand, if you change planes in the USA en route to/from your destination, you'll need to clear US customs, immigration, and security. That's likely no more intrusive for you than another nation's, but it does mean you'll have to do it twice each way (once for the US, and once for the destination country).
You don't have to go through customs/security if you're making an international connection.
Originally Posted by
Finkface
I actually prefer to fly out of a US city, in my case Bellingham or Seattle, whenever I travel. Going through immigration at the border via car is an easy, usually 20 second interaction and the Bellingham airport is so small that clearing security is almost as easy. Friendly TSA, no lines, and much less rigid. Even with a 1 hour drive from home to BLI, my overall travel time is much, much less than it would be flying out of YVR considering security lines and clearing US and Canadian customs/immigration there and back.
So back on topic, don't worry about the TSA. Take your deserving wife on that cruise and enjoy.
Great suggestion—something I would definitely consider.
Originally Posted by
Santander
80% of complaints come from 20% of travelers.
I would say the difference is even greater when it comes to TSA complaints.