Long Transit Time at YYZ, AC Lounge Question
Sep 9, 2014, 1:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Hong Kong
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Long Transit Time at YYZ, AC Lounge Question
I'm connecting from LAX-YYZ and arriving early in the morning, before catching the 4 p.m. flight to FRA. Is it possible for me to go to the AC lounge in the international side for a shower(since there's not arrival lounge), and then go back out to explore the city?
Sep 9, 2014, 1:59 pm
#2
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
You can, but bear in mind you'll have to ask an agent to let you out and you'll have to go through (the 'regular') customs to enter Canada (as you'll only go through a very brief customs check if you proceed from US arrivals to Int'l departures). Not a big problem though.
Sep 9, 2014, 2:16 pm
#3
Original Poster
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Location: Hong Kong
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You can, but bear in mind you'll have to ask an agent to let you out and you'll have to go through (the 'regular') customs to enter Canada (as you'll only go through a very brief customs check if you proceed from US arrivals to Int'l departures). Not a big problem though.
Sep 9, 2014, 2:43 pm
#4
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
Any AC agent. Just tell them you want to leave the secure area and they should escort you to the door. It's much easier with domestic flights obviously, but it's still possible and can happen for any number of reasons on international flights too (you miss your flight, you get DB'd, etc.)
Sep 9, 2014, 2:57 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
You can, but bear in mind you'll have to ask an agent to let you out and you'll have to go through (the 'regular') customs to enter Canada (as you'll only go through a very brief customs check if you proceed from US arrivals to Int'l departures). Not a big problem though.
According to the agent they only let connecting pax into the int'l concourse if the connection was <x hours. Obviously I was very unimpressed with having to go through regular customs/immigration and re-clear security.
Would you be able to comment on whether this was just an obnoxious agent on a power trip or whether there actually is such a rule?
If there is such a rule, would the concierges be able to help SEs to access the int'l concourse without having to go landside?
Sep 9, 2014, 3:48 pm
#6
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
Actually, I've been turned away at the "express" passport/customs checkpoint and told to go landside at YYZ when I had a long int'l -> int'l connection.
According to the agent they only let connecting pax into the int'l concourse if the connection was <x hours. Obviously I was very unimpressed with having to go through regular customs/immigration and re-clear security.
Would you be able to comment on whether this was just an obnoxious agent on a power trip or whether there actually is such a rule?
If there is such a rule, would the concierges be able to help SEs to access the int'l concourse without having to go landside?
According to the agent they only let connecting pax into the int'l concourse if the connection was <x hours. Obviously I was very unimpressed with having to go through regular customs/immigration and re-clear security.
Would you be able to comment on whether this was just an obnoxious agent on a power trip or whether there actually is such a rule?
If there is such a rule, would the concierges be able to help SEs to access the int'l concourse without having to go landside?
Sep 9, 2014, 5:06 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Unfortunately they're CBSA agents, so I'm not familiar with their rules and/or procedures. All I know is that it's indeed possible to leave the secure area, so if you can talk your way past the checkpoint (and I'm sure YMMV) then you shouldn't have an issue going out again.
I realize it's a CSBA checkpoint, but I assumed AC (being the largest carrier) would be involved in the decision-making process when it comes to implementing such policies.
I was also wondering whether certain AC staff (such as concierges) had the ability to "overturn" those policies for select customers. (To give an example of truly outstanding service: As you'll probably know you need a BP to clear security at German and most int'l airports, but a LH manager arranged for me to clear security without a BP - it's obviously not expected or a published perk, but it's those employees who leave a lasting positive impression)
Sep 9, 2014, 7:20 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YXU/BOS
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 939
Another option is the GoodLife gym in T1. I think it will cost you around $15, but you can also get in a workout.
Sep 9, 2014, 9:44 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 767
Once you are in the international side you can just walk out the wrong way through security screening. I've done before and they had no problem with me leaving. If you are in the international lounge you have already entered Canada. Unless something has changed from two years ago.
Sep 9, 2014, 10:15 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,426
And give your self plenty of time to get back from exploring our fine city. With construction and traffic you may find your self surprised. You can also stay at a myriad of airport hotels though the Sheraton (term 3) and ALT hotels are the closest and can be accessed via the parking shuttle train.
Sep 9, 2014, 11:37 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX SL, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 316
And give your self plenty of time to get back from exploring our fine city. With construction and traffic you may find your self surprised. You can also stay at a myriad of airport hotels though the Sheraton (term 3) and ALT hotels are the closest and can be accessed via the parking shuttle train.