YYZ Westjet to United cnx to US, how will that work?
Mar 22, 2023, 10:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YHZ
Posts: 91
YYZ Westjet to United cnx to US, how will that work?
My kid arrives in Toronto on Westjet at T3 at 7:30 on a Sunday morning. Their United flight leaves from T1 at 10 am. I didn't realize the terminal change til just now.
Husband and I will be arriving on the same flt at T3 and continuing on WS to the US, so no terminal change. We had planned to clear US customs with our kid and then send them off on their way but now I'm not sure that can happen. (It's their first time travelling alone, and customs was a big barrier--we thought we had a supported way around it. Kid is technically an adult, but is neurodivergent--wants to do the trip but can become overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations and will feel extra stress in what is a stressful situation for everyone.)
If changing terminals for a US flight, where would our kid be required to clear customs? Does each terminal have its own US customs spot? There will be no checked bags so I am thinking 2.5 hrs will be enough?
Can I go to T1 with them to make sure they get through ok then get back to T3 in the 3 hrs I have to make it to my flight?
Really really could use your thoughts. I have about 6 hrs left to cancel the flights without penalty.
Husband and I will be arriving on the same flt at T3 and continuing on WS to the US, so no terminal change. We had planned to clear US customs with our kid and then send them off on their way but now I'm not sure that can happen. (It's their first time travelling alone, and customs was a big barrier--we thought we had a supported way around it. Kid is technically an adult, but is neurodivergent--wants to do the trip but can become overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations and will feel extra stress in what is a stressful situation for everyone.)
If changing terminals for a US flight, where would our kid be required to clear customs? Does each terminal have its own US customs spot? There will be no checked bags so I am thinking 2.5 hrs will be enough?
Can I go to T1 with them to make sure they get through ok then get back to T3 in the 3 hrs I have to make it to my flight?
Really really could use your thoughts. I have about 6 hrs left to cancel the flights without penalty.
Mar 22, 2023, 10:59 am
#3
Join Date: May 2017
Location: YEG, SFO, VCA, JR JY-13
Programs: hahaha
Posts: 923
Each terminal has its own US Preclearance facility. You must clear US Preclearance at the terminal you're departing from.
After arriving at T3, instead of you and your husband going your own way toward T3 US connections, you should consider escorting your kid instead. Here's a simple step-by-step:
Your kid will arrive with you and all three of you can go to the exit together and see them off on the Terminal Link train (the landside train that links both terminals as well as parking facilities and other operational ground facilities) and tell them to get off at Terminal 1 and follow signs for US Departures. You can even go with them all the way to Terminal 1 US Preclearance security before you're forced to turn around. Then hop back on the train and do the same thing for your flight at Terminal 3. Keep your cell phone on in case you get a phone call for help.
If you're running tight on time you can split off from your kid at any point really (before the train maybe?) since you're forced to clear security again as a T3 to US arrival.
After arriving at T3, instead of you and your husband going your own way toward T3 US connections, you should consider escorting your kid instead. Here's a simple step-by-step:
Your kid will arrive with you and all three of you can go to the exit together and see them off on the Terminal Link train (the landside train that links both terminals as well as parking facilities and other operational ground facilities) and tell them to get off at Terminal 1 and follow signs for US Departures. You can even go with them all the way to Terminal 1 US Preclearance security before you're forced to turn around. Then hop back on the train and do the same thing for your flight at Terminal 3. Keep your cell phone on in case you get a phone call for help.
If you're running tight on time you can split off from your kid at any point really (before the train maybe?) since you're forced to clear security again as a T3 to US arrival.
Mar 22, 2023, 12:38 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YHZ
Posts: 91
Thank you so much. This is really helpful. I usually book with a LOT more time to check the details. I appreciate your help in sorting out this unusual one for me. As I can still cancel the flight from T1, I think I will look for a suitable option on an airline flying from T3.