Minimum Connection Time (MCT) in YYZ
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SJC, OAK, SFO
Programs: AA PRO, AS 100K
Posts: 188
Minimum Connection Time (MCT) in YYZ
Can anyone provide information on the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) in YYZ? I am considering an AA-AA or AA-BA connection on a separate itinerary. Thank you in advance.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA EXP 3MM; LH FT (*A Silver); Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite; Starwood Corporate Preferred
Posts: 782
We need more information. We need your itinerary and airlines. The MCT is variable and depends on where you are coming from, going to and between which airlines.
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: YTZ/LHR
Programs: VIPorter First, BA GGL, DL Plat, Golden Circle Elite
Posts: 830
In the former case, you're on your own in the flight is delayed. If you have NEXUS, you can be at T3 US immigration in 20 minutes after arrival. If you don't it could be anywhere from 20 minutes to 180 minutes, depending on the other arrivals and the labour mood of CBSA.
In the latter case, if you're concerned about a missed connection, go for the earlier YYZ-LHR flight and fall back to the ~10PM if you miss it.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: YTZ/LHR
Programs: VIPorter First, BA GGL, DL Plat, Golden Circle Elite
Posts: 830
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SJC, OAK, SFO
Programs: AA PRO, AS 100K
Posts: 188
In the former case, you're on your own in the flight is delayed. If you have NEXUS, you can be at T3 US immigration in 20 minutes after arrival. If you don't it could be anywhere from 20 minutes to 180 minutes, depending on the other arrivals and the labour mood of CBSA.
I am under the impression I would be protected on a separate itinerary if I meet MCT due to oneworld Reaccommodation on Separate Tickets (https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/docum...king_Index.pdf). Of course, I would prefer not to rely on the policy.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 866
You have to clear customs and immigration in YYZ. There is no way around it. That means you also have to re-clear security and US customs in YYZ before being admitted to the departure lounge. 40 mins, even with Nexus, would be a huge risk. It would be nearly impossible even if your inbound flight is right on time, especially given the doors close at most 10 mins before departure. A very silly connection to attempt if you ask me...but I realize others have different thresholds for risks than I do.
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
1. MCT is irrelevant. OP Is not connecting because he says that he will be on separate "itineraries" which I take to mean separate tickets. MCT simply reflects a carrier's willingness to assume the risk of a misconnect. OP is free to book whatever he wants.
2. However, it is untrue that OP is on his own if he no shows for the onward flight segment. AA, unlike other carriers, provides protection across tickets for AA-AA and AA-OW transfers.
3. The cabotage issue is both wrong and a red herring. AA is a US carrier and may certainly sell a ticket connecting US-Canada-US. That would violate the US DOT rules which are sometimes referred to as "cabotage" if sold by a non-US carrier.
2. However, it is untrue that OP is on his own if he no shows for the onward flight segment. AA, unlike other carriers, provides protection across tickets for AA-AA and AA-OW transfers.
3. The cabotage issue is both wrong and a red herring. AA is a US carrier and may certainly sell a ticket connecting US-Canada-US. That would violate the US DOT rules which are sometimes referred to as "cabotage" if sold by a non-US carrier.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SJC, OAK, SFO
Programs: AA PRO, AS 100K
Posts: 188
AA will not sell a US-Canada-US connection (ex. ORD-YYZ-JFK). AA will sell a US-Canada-US round trip (ex. ORD-YYZ-ORD). I have no intention of 40 minutes in YYZ. Instead, it is the shortest amount of time AA.com will permit between flights in YYZ. I agree this is not viable.
Last edited by jaloola; Jul 28, 2018 at 5:21 am