MileageRunning: US to US via Canada
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: BZN
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 69
MileageRunning: US to US via Canada
Hi all. I posted this in the DL subforum, but will post it in here in case some of you might have some more insight. (Mods, please remove if that isn't appropriate)
I am doing a MR on Nov 12. My itinerary includes MSP-YVR-SEA. I have a 2 hour layover in YVR and don't plan to leave the sterile area.
I'm looking for a definitive answer: Can I get off my MSP - YVR flight and proceed directly to US CBP, or will I have to exit via the Canadian side, then go back through US CBP? I'm hoping it's just a matter of get off, follow some signs to US CBP, go through, then hang out until the flight to SEA.
Thanks in advance for any answers you all have.
I am doing a MR on Nov 12. My itinerary includes MSP-YVR-SEA. I have a 2 hour layover in YVR and don't plan to leave the sterile area.
I'm looking for a definitive answer: Can I get off my MSP - YVR flight and proceed directly to US CBP, or will I have to exit via the Canadian side, then go back through US CBP? I'm hoping it's just a matter of get off, follow some signs to US CBP, go through, then hang out until the flight to SEA.
Thanks in advance for any answers you all have.
#2
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Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,794
Look at the YVR.ca site for guidance, though I am not sure it's covered (not many fly U.S.=> U.S. via Canada). It usually depends on the airline and what time you arrive.
If you can get a BP for the connecting flight, you should be able to head for U.S. connections where you might have to go through a cursory Canadian document check before you get to U.S. preclearance. Hours of this may be (or is) limited however.
If you can get a BP for the connecting flight, you should be able to head for U.S. connections where you might have to go through a cursory Canadian document check before you get to U.S. preclearance. Hours of this may be (or is) limited however.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: BZN
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 69
Look at the YVR.ca site for guidance, though I am not sure it's covered (not many fly U.S.=> U.S. via Canada). It usually depends on the airline and what time you arrive.
If you can get a BP for the connecting flight, you should be able to head for U.S. connections where you might have to go through a cursory Canadian document check before you get to U.S. preclearance. Hours of this may be (or is) limited however.
If you can get a BP for the connecting flight, you should be able to head for U.S. connections where you might have to go through a cursory Canadian document check before you get to U.S. preclearance. Hours of this may be (or is) limited however.
I'm pretty sure I'll have all my BPs, because it should be on my phone once I check in at T-24. Maybe not?
This is all happening in the middle of the day. Thank you for your help!
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: BZN
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 69
#6
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,029
Here it says you go through CBSA then follow "USA Connections" to go to CBP then the US gates. It says you don't have to pick up your luggage, but I don't know if it's an AC thing or if it works for all airlines. You gotta ask DL whenever you check in:
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...rt/int-us.html
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...rt/int-us.html
#7
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
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Posts: 14,635
If arrival on other airlines (and you have bags) you will be dumped landside after baggage claim. The fact the guide segregates out certain airlines suggest there is no access to in-transit preclearance when arriving on the US portion of the terminal.
Here it says you go through CBSA then follow "USA Connections" to go to CBP then the US gates. It says you don't have to pick up your luggage, but I don't know if it's an AC thing or if it works for all airlines. You gotta ask DL whenever you check in:
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...rt/int-us.html
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...rt/int-us.html
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
I suspect the reason why the website is unclear/vague on US-to-US connections is that that type of connection cannot be sold by airlines. It would require a DIY connection on separate tickets (such as what the OP is attempting). The number of people who do this in any given month must be tiny.
I think this is a case of the most obvious scenario being the correct answer. OP will clear CBSA, then proceed to US CBP and clear security. Whether this can be accomplished in the desired time frame depends in large part on the timeliness of the inbound flight...but it's probably a safe enough gamble on most days. Let us know how it turns out!
I think this is a case of the most obvious scenario being the correct answer. OP will clear CBSA, then proceed to US CBP and clear security. Whether this can be accomplished in the desired time frame depends in large part on the timeliness of the inbound flight...but it's probably a safe enough gamble on most days. Let us know how it turns out!
#11
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
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Posts: 14,635
Sounds like the building setup is different than YUL. At YUL, all arrivals regardless origin end up in the same inspection area and there is a "side door" for transit to US preclearance.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, AVIS President's Club, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 50
US (same city) - YVR - US (same city): do I need to go thru Canada Customs ?
Mileage run. I fly from the (same city) US to YVR, arrive at 10AM and then at 11AM board the same plane and fly back to the (same city) US. Mileage run. No luggage. No laptop. Just phone + charger + headphones. US Citizen. US Passport. Global Entry card. US driver license.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,794
Mileage run. I fly from the (same city) US to YVR, arrive at 10AM and then at 11AM board the same plane and fly back to the (same city) US. Mileage run. No luggage. No laptop. Just phone + charger + headphones. US Citizen. US Passport. Global Entry card. US driver license.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
#14
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,635
Mileage run. I fly from the (same city) US to YVR, arrive at 10AM and then at 11AM board the same plane and fly back to the (same city) US. Mileage run. No luggage. No laptop. Just phone + charger + headphones. US Citizen. US Passport. Global Entry card. US driver license.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
#15
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AC SE MM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 904
Mileage run. I fly from the (same city) US to YVR, arrive at 10AM and then at 11AM board the same plane and fly back to the (same city) US. Mileage run. No luggage. No laptop. Just phone + charger + headphones. US Citizen. US Passport. Global Entry card. US driver license.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.
Can't I just stay at the gate? Do I have to do what this link says?
https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/...t/int-int.html
Connecting through Vancouver - Between two International Flights
Follow overhead signs “Welcome to Vancouver” and Canada Customs.
Proceed down escalator into Canada Customs.
Have all documentation in hand and ensure all applicable forms have been completed.
Follow Connections to International and enter the International Connection line.
Clear Canada Customs. Take elevator to Departures Level 3 to your next flight.