Lounge for US-bound flights from YOW?
#76
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Vancouver
Programs: Aeroplan, Mileage Plus, WestJet Gold, AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,026
I think YOW is the exception not the rule. At YVR from domestic you enter the international departure hall then form their US pre-clearance. In YYZ from domestic you enter that weird overhead maze or doors and passages and somehow end up at US pre-clearance.
#77
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,346
You don't go landside but you certainly clear security in both YVR and YYZ before getting to pre-clearance on connections.
I assume that's why "airside" was in quotes. Because you never leave security.
I assume that's why "airside" was in quotes. Because you never leave security.
#78
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 161
But the upside is tremendous, who needs a lounge when you can routinely clear security and CBP in less than 15 mins?
#79
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Safe Travels,
James
#80
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
The choke point there is usually Security where they have exactly one Nexus lane (shared with air crew) open.
That line has alone has taken me 15 minutes to clear in the last couple of weeks. IMHO there's more amateurs using the Nexus lanes now.
#81
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Try YVR outbound early morning during cruise ship season.
The choke point there is usually Security where they have exactly one Nexus lane (shared with air crew) open.
That line has alone has taken me 15 minutes to clear in the last couple of weeks. IMHO there's more amateurs using the Nexus lanes now.
The choke point there is usually Security where they have exactly one Nexus lane (shared with air crew) open.
That line has alone has taken me 15 minutes to clear in the last couple of weeks. IMHO there's more amateurs using the Nexus lanes now.
That being said, totally agree with you on the point of kettles in Nexus lanes taking their sweet time. There was a lady in my line with a "service dog". IMHO, if you've got a "service dog" you get normal security, no ifs ands or buts.
Safe Travels,
James
#82
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Halifax
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum Elite. NEXUS
Posts: 4,569
The YYZ DOM-US security checkpoint is the only place I have ever had to take of my shoes. And I have to every time.
#83
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
#84
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC E75 / Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 952
It takes more than 15 minutes to clear security and CBP at any major Canadian airport? That's news to me as a Nexus card holder (I primarily fly through YYZ but have had a couple of "domestic" US segments at YVR and YUL). My only pet peeve is at YUL where the Nexus lane isn't enforced on the Canada/International side,.. oh and the Nexus Kiosks when enter Canada at YVR.
Safe Travels,
James
Safe Travels,
James
#85
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: YOW
Programs: AC*SEMM, *G, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 897
When I was going through security today at YOW for my "domestic" flight to EWR security told me to remove my shoes. Is this is a new requirement? I don't recall being asked to do so in a TSA pre line or Nexus lane before, was a bit of a PITA since I was wearing hiking boots that were on tight. This surprised me as much as the requirement that liquids had to be in a clear plastic bag when flying outside of North America (never encountered it once in Canada/USA).
James
James
#86
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Early morning or during the winter Florida flights it can be mahem. The YOW set-up seems to be designed to handle the two ERJs an hour that it normally does. Throw in two 737/A321 flights at the same time and it becomes a nightmare. Otherwise, no need for a lounge, you can go to the airport an hour or less before the flight.
Safe Travels,
James
#87
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: Yes, I belong.
Posts: 361
Yes; “airside” was used as shorthand for “no need to clear security again before the onward flight”.
#89
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,924
Looking at a flight and its significantly cheaper for me to fly YUL-YOW-EWR than direct, but it includes a 3.5 hour layover. If I'm connecting from a domestic flight, can I use the MLL lounge there, and then easily get over to the transborder terminal?
#90
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Ottawa, ON
Programs: AC*SE100K, AC*MM, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 286
Yes you can definitely pop in to the MLL (in the domestic gate area), then head outside security and over to the US gates a little closer to your US departure time (allowing time for CBP pre-clearance).