My recent experience has left me confused as to how this process works. I recently checked in for my flight HEL-FRA-YUL-YHZ, and received OSS on my mobile BP. At check-in with LH in HEL, I was told to collect my baggage in YUL and recheck it. I thought that this seemed odd (as I though the process had changed), but decided to follow the instructions. At YUL, I went through Nexus, as I normally would, and then made my way downstairs to wait for my bags. After 20 minutes and no bags, there was an announcement that bags from FRA to onward domestic destinations did not need to be collected as they would be automatically sent on to the final Canadian destination.
When I left the baggage area, the CBSA agent told me that I should not have used Nexus at all, but should have followed the Connections signs.
I have tried to look up the actual process, but it is extremely hard to find any information online as to how the system is meant to work. The Air Canada website cryptically states that baggage from the US and "certain international destinations" no longer needs to be collected and cleared through Customs, but does not specify the countries involved. The YUL website does not mention baggage but indicates the need to clear Customs. None of the sources (CATSA/CBSA/AC/YUL) that I have looked at are able to actually state which originating airports do not require physical collection of baggage prior to checking them to other domestic destinations.
Obviously the LH agent in HEL was unaware of the process (which is apparently new) but I have a few questions:
- Which originating airports or countries does the new process apply to - or is it the connecting airport/country? Is this specific to a flight originating in Europe, or would a connection in Europe be treated the same (e.g. NBO-ZRH-YUL-YHZ)?
- Is it possible to use Nexus along with this process? Does using OSS preclude going to a Nexus booth, and would I need to now complete a paper landing card?
- Does this process only apply if one has OSS on the BP? My phone BP had OSS, but not the paper one printed in HEL.
I am amazed at how little information there is about this process, and how poorly it has been clarified to the traveling public. Any help is greatly appreciated.