Originally Posted by edinv
Slightly O/T as this question relates to YOW.
- Booked LHR/YOW/YVR for a Saturday in September. AC889 arr YOW 1710 ex LHR, AC139 dep for YVR 1755. The gate closes YOW at 1725. -I booked this trip the good old fashioned way with an AC agent over the phone. The agent stated this connection time was 'legal' and processed the booking without further comment. The choice of route was in part 'miles based' as I require a few for this year! - plus a travelling companion is travelling on the same trip using AP miles.Options using AP miles were limited, however this route was available, and therefore booked!
- Anyone with any experience of on-line connections at YOW Intl to Domestic?
The minimum connecting time in YOW, international to domestic, is 45 mins. But I'm amazed they would let you book this. Customs in YOW is set up for CRJs, not 767s, and there is always a backup when the LHR flight gets in. There is, in theory, a connecting flight desk after you exit customs (turn left immediately after you exit before you go through the crowd of greeters; the desk is on your right just past the main hall), but it isn't always staffed so you might have to go upstairs to the check-in desks to deposit your luggage. Either way, you have to clear security again and get to your gate.
On the plus side, the gate won't close at 17:25. You should still be able to get on the plane at 17:45.
You didn't mention what cabin you are flying in from LHR to YOW. If you are in J, there's a decent chance you'll make it because you'll be in front of everyone in the customs line. If you are in row 43, you could still be waiting to clear customs as your next flight takes off. If you can't get AC to change your routing, try to get as close to the front of the plane as you can and don't waste any time getting to the customs hall.