Another crazy T1 customs arrival scene
Apr 1, 2011 | 6:32 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: United/*A Silver, DL Silver, Marriott PP, HH Gold
Posts: 43
Even though we don't need it, I always carry my Nexus card in my hand so people can see it (assuming they know what Nexus is). I find it also helps that I wear a leather pilot's jacket so people often assume I'm crew.
Apr 1, 2011 | 7:42 pm
#34
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Actually you do need to carry your NEXUS card whenever you intend to use the kiosk, as well as having your passport. As has been posted by several of us, agents have been making spot checks to ensure you have your card when using the kiosk. If you can't show your card you can lose your membership! BTW which airline flight crews wear leather pilot jackets?
Apr 1, 2011 | 7:47 pm
#35
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Sorry if posting in the wrong place and probably off track.
I get in to YYZ from HKG at 18.05 and in transit to connect to the flight to DCA at 20.55. Do i need to go through immigration (i know i need a transit visa cos i am not a US citizen) and is there enough time to make the connection considering such long waits.
I get in to YYZ from HKG at 18.05 and in transit to connect to the flight to DCA at 20.55. Do i need to go through immigration (i know i need a transit visa cos i am not a US citizen) and is there enough time to make the connection considering such long waits.
If there is such a back-up, just let a security officer know you're headed to the US.
Apr 1, 2011 | 7:50 pm
#36
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Apr 1, 2011 | 8:49 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,753
Nexus rocks!
It's pretty easy to by-pass the lines as a NEXUS card holder. You keep to the right by-passing the lines, and head straight to the NEXUS machines. Once you have collected your yellow card, head straight down the escalators at T1 to the baggage area. Check out the separate NEXUS thread if you want more details.
Apr 1, 2011 | 9:39 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 179
No problem for you. You just proceed down the escalator and the hang a left down a separate channel for passengers connecting to the USA. You then pick up your checked bag(s) from a dedicated belt and proceed to a dedicated US customs officer after which you merge with others doing US customs preclearance. Your checked bags go back onto a belt and you continue through security. Just ensure you bags are tagged all the way through to DCA and you'll be fine.
If there is such a back-up, just let a security officer know you're headed to the US.
If there is such a back-up, just let a security officer know you're headed to the US.
Apr 2, 2011 | 8:04 am
#41
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Across the pond
Programs: Aeroplan SE, Goldpassport Platinum, Avis Something, Hertz Gold
Posts: 750
I am guessing you have never encountered this at LHR or STN. Others have mentioned other airports as well. How could GTAA improve the design if CBSA does not staff adequately?
Apr 2, 2011 | 8:08 am
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: toronto
Posts: 961
It's pretty easy to by-pass the lines as a NEXUS card holder. You keep to the right by-passing the lines, and head straight to the NEXUS machines. Once you have collected your yellow card, head straight down the escalators at T1 to the baggage area. Check out the separate NEXUS thread if you want more details.
If there are secondary holdings on the 2nd floor like last week, and a few weeks back where it made the newspapers, then, there will be an airport official, and other police-person manning a roped off area just before the escalator/stairs down to the customs hall. If you are a Nexus holder, you can flash them your card, and proceed down the stairs to the customs hall and follow the procedure above....If you are not a nexus holder, then you will be placed in the secondary holding pen to the right of the escalator.
Apr 2, 2011 | 9:29 am
#43
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ/YOW
Programs: AC SE 2MM * DL MM * HH Diamond * Marriott Lifetime Titanium * Queen's '92
Posts: 5,986
Absolutely false about what has been going on. I was there. If the staffing was > 33% (plus the requisite guys just standing around talking to each other), there would have been no issue.
Apr 2, 2011 | 9:31 am
#44
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YYZ/YOW
Programs: AC SE 2MM * DL MM * HH Diamond * Marriott Lifetime Titanium * Queen's '92
Posts: 5,986
Incorrect. There were several GTAA officials at the top of the escalator directing NEXUS members around the queue.
Apr 2, 2011 | 9:48 am
#45
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Programs: *G
Posts: 2,304
My wife arrived at T1 on Thu at 4.30 without any problem - just ahead of the mess I guess. I arrived at 6.45 last night (Fri) and although it was that awful HKG/PEK/PVG/LHR arrivals window, there were NO lines at customs. I had wondered what I would do if there were bad lines and how to bypass it with Nexus, although last night it was just as fast to go to an agent.