US to US transit through YYZ
Jul 25, 2023 | 12:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: BRU
Programs: LH Sen, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 233
The only way I could get from DCA to MSP for LH miles on the day I wanted is in AC business class with 85 minutes connection in YYZ.
I realise this means going through both Canada and US immigration.
I will have carry-on luggage only, so no checked bags, and am LH Senator (Star Gold) with an EU passport and both ESTA and advance CBSA, but no Global Entry or Nexus.
Grateful for views on whether this 85 minutes connection is doable.
I realise this means going through both Canada and US immigration.
I will have carry-on luggage only, so no checked bags, and am LH Senator (Star Gold) with an EU passport and both ESTA and advance CBSA, but no Global Entry or Nexus.
Grateful for views on whether this 85 minutes connection is doable.
Last edited by tem123; Jul 25, 2023 at 1:15 pm
Jul 25, 2023 | 1:12 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: BRU
Programs: LH Sen, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 233
It is AC to AC but LH booked it as two separate flights, probably because of the cabotage issue..
I have checked my booking on the AC site and it is also showing as two separate flights.
I will have no checked bags and two separate boarding passes, so maybe it will be OK.
I have checked my booking on the AC site and it is also showing as two separate flights.
I will have no checked bags and two separate boarding passes, so maybe it will be OK.
Jul 26, 2023 | 5:08 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYC
Posts: 2,305
This will be tight. You might be able to avoid CBSA (Canada border control) and head straight to US security and CBP based on your second boarding pass, which would save some time, but there can be big lines for both of these depending on the time of day.
Jul 26, 2023 | 8:30 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: BRU
Programs: LH Sen, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 233
Thanks, it does seem risky.
I may decide to leave Washington for another day and come directly to YYZ from Europe as there is still availability in J for miles. No problem with onward flights in J on AC to final destination MSP as it is international while UA only offers basic Y on domestic flights for LH biz mileage tickets.
I may decide to leave Washington for another day and come directly to YYZ from Europe as there is still availability in J for miles. No problem with onward flights in J on AC to final destination MSP as it is international while UA only offers basic Y on domestic flights for LH biz mileage tickets.
Jul 26, 2023 | 4:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,678
It is AC to AC but LH booked it as two separate flights, probably because of the cabotage issue..
I have checked my booking on the AC site and it is also showing as two separate flights.
I will have no checked bags and two separate boarding passes, so maybe it will be OK.
I have checked my booking on the AC site and it is also showing as two separate flights.
I will have no checked bags and two separate boarding passes, so maybe it will be OK.
Jul 26, 2023 | 6:49 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,932
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35150308-post7.html
Jul 26, 2023 | 8:12 pm
#8
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,683
Jul 26, 2023 | 10:18 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,932
Originally Posted by EmailKid;35447536
So if it's [b
So if it's [b
over[/b] 4 hours it's not cabotage?
Jul 27, 2023 | 12:13 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: BRU
Programs: LH Sen, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 233
Many thanks to all for the interesting comments and advice.
It is on one PNR as part of a round trip miles ticket from Europe to MSP.
The risk of AC and/or US customs stopping me boarding combined with the tight connection has persuaded me to rebook on a direct LO flight WAW-YYZ, with the added benefit of saving around $200 in charges.
Cabotage is indeed sometimes overlooked as a potential problem, both for the transport of goods and in this case passengers.
It is on one PNR as part of a round trip miles ticket from Europe to MSP.
The risk of AC and/or US customs stopping me boarding combined with the tight connection has persuaded me to rebook on a direct LO flight WAW-YYZ, with the added benefit of saving around $200 in charges.
Cabotage is indeed sometimes overlooked as a potential problem, both for the transport of goods and in this case passengers.
Last edited by tem123; Jul 27, 2023 at 12:23 am
Jul 27, 2023 | 12:46 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC 75k, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,379
AC has terrible on time record (something around 50% of the flights are delayed), and these short haul flights the most impacted. I would not attempt this itinerary unless you are ready to spend the night in Toronto.
Jul 27, 2023 | 12:59 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: BRU
Programs: LH Sen, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 233
Thanks - your advice has definitely made me change my mind!
Last edited by tem123; Jul 27, 2023 at 1:10 pm