CA>US - customs/VIP
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
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CA>US - customs/VIP
- vancouver
- montreal
- ottawa
- toronto
of those airports >
which customs preclearance would be servicing the fewest flights per day?
anyone know about VIP offerings?
- montreal
- ottawa
- toronto
of those airports >
which customs preclearance would be servicing the fewest flights per day?
anyone know about VIP offerings?
#2


Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,810
Not sure about the nature of your question.
My experience would suggest Ottawa, but YOW also has fewer transborder CBP officers, so if your question is about wait times it's probably moot.
Also, 'number of aircraft' is a bit of a red-herring - There will be considerably more bodies in five 757s than there will be in five Dash-8s - The same number of aircraft, but way more pax.
As to VIP service, it varies by airport. In Vancouver, you go through security first, then talk to CBP. If you have nexus they in theory move you to a faster security line, but I don't seem much speed as they also put Kettles with kids and wheelchairs in that line.
In Toronto, you go through CBP first, then security. Nexus will get you thorugh CBP faster, and then if you're an elite you can go through a faster security line.
My experience would suggest Ottawa, but YOW also has fewer transborder CBP officers, so if your question is about wait times it's probably moot.
Also, 'number of aircraft' is a bit of a red-herring - There will be considerably more bodies in five 757s than there will be in five Dash-8s - The same number of aircraft, but way more pax.
As to VIP service, it varies by airport. In Vancouver, you go through security first, then talk to CBP. If you have nexus they in theory move you to a faster security line, but I don't seem much speed as they also put Kettles with kids and wheelchairs in that line.
In Toronto, you go through CBP first, then security. Nexus will get you thorugh CBP faster, and then if you're an elite you can go through a faster security line.
#3
Original Poster
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good point, should have said fewest passengers. is this kind of broken down data easily accessible online?
by VIP i mean paid VIP offerings, either skip all lines or private handling.
by VIP i mean paid VIP offerings, either skip all lines or private handling.
#5
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private air = private airport > private airport
going back to flights vs passengers, i think i did go through that thought process, but was just thinking that number of flights is a readily available figure
going back to flights vs passengers, i think i did go through that thought process, but was just thinking that number of flights is a readily available figure
#6


Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
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If you pay for a first-class ticket on Air Canada, you can use the "fastrak" queues at security which, in theory, move you to the front of the security line (although this tends to be hit and miss).
So, for example, at Toronto Pearson if you have NEXUS and a first-class Air Canada ticket you will move to the front of the line at the CBP checkpoint, then after CBP you will move to the front of the line at security.
Then of course, as you say, you can also fly privately.
#8


Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
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#9
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: NZ Silver, AC SE100K, Westjet, Marriott, Global Entry
Posts: 6,856

If the airline you are flying with deems you to be a VIP, then they will arrange for an escort through INS, Customs, security etc.
Speaking from YVR experience only, the wait times for INS have never been more than 10 to 15 minutes. As GGlave pointed out, the priority line for security is laden with people who slow the system down. The only thing I can imagine an escorted trip through all this would do, is take you through INS a little faster and maybe push you ahead of the wheelchairs and strollers at security.
You may save 10 minutes overall.
YVR transborder is usually very effecient, at least has been for me on all the times I have been through there.
#10

Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: YTO
Posts: 595
VIP perk: Pearson Priority Lane
In Terminal 1 (Air Canada's terminal) the Pearson Priority Lane offers queue bypassing for security screening. Get into it with Air Canada Premium Cabin boarding pass, The Platinum Card from American Express, Aeroplan Plus Platinum Card from AMEX.
#12
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CBP is done at most large Canadian airports prior to departure to US so flying to DFW or ORD from YYC that would not help.

