YVR customs & Imm. questions
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: AAPlat, Delta Gold, HH Gold, Amex,Marriott, CO
Posts: 245
YVR customs & Imm. questions
I usually go through YVR twice a year for business via CX. Next week flying for the first time since new regulations and flying AA via DFW.
I always have my passport. What should I expect on both ways?
I have not gone through C & I on the outbound for a few years. Always cleared in JFK. On the inbound used to come in at 1AM so very fast. This time at 12:30 PM. Only carrying binder book for work- no samples.
Thank you in advance!
I always have my passport. What should I expect on both ways?
I have not gone through C & I on the outbound for a few years. Always cleared in JFK. On the inbound used to come in at 1AM so very fast. This time at 12:30 PM. Only carrying binder book for work- no samples.
Thank you in advance!
#2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC Elite (waddya mean it's expired?), HHonours Gold, bunch of other stuff
Posts: 859
You should expect a routine and uneventful check and a breezy 'have a nice trip.'
With a passport and no problematic goods, you won't have any trouble.
With a passport and no problematic goods, you won't have any trouble.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,811
Early afternoon is peak time for YVR inbounds... expect a wee wait at Immigration, and a rugby scrum in the baggage hall.
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: I am usually found in YYC or GIG
Programs: UAL Premex
Posts: 1,858
Expect line ups from hell and the rudest most inconsiderate pax on the planet........seriously.........I avoid flying to YVR at all times if immigration clearance is required.
One time I waited almost an hour in the smallest resident only line which, upon approaching the podium, became evident to me that it was full of people deliberately playing stupid, since they were non-residents in the residents only line, simply because it was the smallest line at the time........the CBSA guy finally sent the last two families in front of me to the back of the other line (non-resident) so they could wait again, because he was so frustrated with the "I don't speak/read english game" these people were playing.
There should be 2-3 heavies unloading around that time. No fun at all........
One time I waited almost an hour in the smallest resident only line which, upon approaching the podium, became evident to me that it was full of people deliberately playing stupid, since they were non-residents in the residents only line, simply because it was the smallest line at the time........the CBSA guy finally sent the last two families in front of me to the back of the other line (non-resident) so they could wait again, because he was so frustrated with the "I don't speak/read english game" these people were playing.
There should be 2-3 heavies unloading around that time. No fun at all........
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: YVR
Programs: AC MM
Posts: 1,478
For that reason the Nexus/Canpass is really wonderful. Just got back on a flight from SIN on SQ, as usual and as described the hall was filled with hundreds of people arriving from Asia. No-one at the Canpass machines. Took 1 minute to get through, with no luggage time from leaving the airplane to leaving the airport is about 10 - 15 minutes.
The $ 50.00 fee a year is well worth it. And of course the NEXUS pass works at the US pre clearance facility as well.
The $ 50.00 fee a year is well worth it. And of course the NEXUS pass works at the US pre clearance facility as well.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
Please, when flying from ORD to Ottawa and back
where do I clear customs coming and going?
I have 50 minutes in ORD with a reservation I absolutely can't change.
AA tells me my connection time is lega, but I'm feeling iffy about it.
Thanks!
I have 50 minutes in ORD with a reservation I absolutely can't change.
AA tells me my connection time is lega, but I'm feeling iffy about it.
Thanks!
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,944
YVR. Allow a lot of extra time at check-in at YVR if you are leaving on a weekend May-Sept.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 41
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
Yes, thank you. I've decided to attempt to stand by on an earlier flight both ways to increase my time at ORD. I would rather be having a Chicago hot dog and relaxing than running through the airport.

