Originally Posted by
Toddcan
Update (with some questions)
I checked the AP website today, and a new possibility came up to get me to Cancun:
AC Jazz from YYZ to Houston in business class onboard a Canadair Regional Jet 705. Then United from Houston to Cancun
Return is the same thing, but in reverse.
I know this will sound basic to most of you, but I don't fly much, and certainly not with changing airlines at the airport. So, here are my questions.
1. The Canadair 705 business class - I'm sure it's nothing special since it's only a 3 hr flight, but does anyone have any cautions with this plane? I know nothing about Jazz
2. Will luggage be automatically transferred from the Jazz to the UA flight?
I'm really struggling with the options on getting me to Cancun. I could book US Air from Buffalo at about $450pp return (economy), and save my 120,000 AP miles for a more worthwhile flight in Business Class. But, if the Jazz/UA option is decent, I may just pull that trigger.
If the UA flights are in Business class (the same as domestic First within the USA) then I would probably take that option. The CRJ-705 in Business is comfortable enough although nothing spectacular. If the second leg of the journey is also Business that would definitely help tilt the scale in its favor.
Be aware that on the return you will need to clear customs in IAH and again upon arrival into Canada. At IAH you will go through immigration, pick up your bags, go through customs and then give your bags to UA. The first step might involve a wait in line unless you have Global Entry. Then you will need to reclear security, which could have another line. If the security line from International connections is long I suggest you exit as if you were leaving the airport and enter through the regular Terminal D secirity line which is rarely more than ten minutes.