Originally Posted by
Plumber
I have NEVER (ie not even once!) seen any benefit from OSS. I ALWAYS have to go though security again.
A while ago i asked several employees in YYZ (Air Canada, YYZ Airport and CBA) and nobody even knew what OSS was.
Please report back how it goes.
Hi, you suggested that I report back about my experience.
Before I recount my experience, I want to say that I can readily understand why some passengers could get caught up in having to go through security for a connecting flight in Toronto. Quite frankly, the signs for transit passengers there is for the birds.
After a walk of about a third of a mile from the aircraft gate, I saw a sign with several large letters. One of the letters was a large red
E with a note that said 'International" and there was an arrow pointing to a little unmarked room.
Although the large crowd from my plane was heading to Customs (along with passengers from other aircraft filled the corridors), I decided to stop at the little room that was just past the sign that said "E" even though the room had no sign indicating it was for transfer passengers. I knew the gate for my connecting flight started with "E" so I decided to inquire.
There were five counters in the room all filled by Canadian Customs employees.
There was no passenger in line. In other words, it was not busy or even being used by one passenger.
As I walked into the room, I was motioned to the counter by an officer who asked for my boarding pass (that had the OSS written on it) and for my passport. He also asked for the Canadian Customs card. After that, he did some computer noises then he kept the Canadian Custom card but returned my passport and boarding pass. He then said that I could go to the gate.
It was as simple as one-two-three. No security again.
If I had not gone to that room, I would have continued with the hoard of other passengers and would likely have had to go through security.
Now I know. I learned a lot from this little exercise.
Hopefully my question, my experience and narrative will help someone with a connecting flight in Toronto.
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