Originally Posted by
jruta
I found out the hard way today that if you connect Canada-to-USA with luggage at YYZ, they don't let you use NEXUS (because you're on the other side of the wall, and they only allow you to go to a few predetermined customs agents). I had to line up for about an hour this morning.
In the future, I'll have to remember to do only carry-ons via YYZ if possible, and walk out to the main check-in area for US-bound flights (instead of going through the "Connections" door).
Does anyone know whether this is an issue at YUL or YVR?
Given that YYZ USINS agents have always been particularly hostile to these kind of programs, going back even to the INSPass days, I'm not surprised. The best responses I've ever received in YYZ when either using or attempting to renew my INSPass card could most generously be described as sneering.
At YVR on the other hand, USINS agents think the program is brilliant, and love it. They've been uniformly courteous and helpful. I don't know if though if you'd be able to use the NEXUS card when connecting in YVR because the connecting luggage comes out in a special area that can only be accessed through the "US connections" facility.
If it were me, I'd be inclined to ask to have my bags only checked as far as the connection (US port of entry,) collect them, and then use the NEXUS card. Problem is, you'd have to check in again to get your bags re-tagged to your final destination. If you have a tight connection, that might well cause more problems, and delays, than standing in the non-NEXUS line.