Transitting thru YVR airport (Part 2)
Apr 21, 1999, 1:29 pm
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Transitting thru YVR airport (Part 2)
Thanks everyone for helping first - I have asked several people at CP (including Exec Plat desk) and I have gotten different answers everytime.
In early August, I might be accompanying my 74 year old aunt to Honolulu from London, UK. She is carrying my late-uncle's ashes on a last round-the-world journey before his last resting place (which will be in Sydney, Oz).
My aunt carries a Taiwanese passport. To enter Canada, she needs a Canadian visa. But the question here is that she does NOT want to go through the hassle of getting a visa (long story, don't ask. Something about initially offered Landed Immigrancy and she DECLINED).
Anyway, a Canadian Airlines employee friend from Toronto told me that she can transit through Vancouver airport without a visa because it is an International to International connection. Honolulu passengers are not precleared US immigration / customs as it is considered an International destination.
But everytime I ask a CP agent about this - I have received totally different answers. Some say that she needs to pre-clear customs (which I know for a fact that you don't - imagine those people going to Australia), some say she will be escorted through, and some say - just go get the visa. (Yeah, some people do have 'problems' when they apply). She will be travelling on the non-stop flight from London (LHR) on CP 91 which departs LHR (on Sat) at 1705. Arrival at YVR at 1830. The connecting flight from YVR departs at 2005 on CP 133.
So all you guys and gals, who know YVR airport. Please find out if she can go through YVR airport without going through Canadian immigration and customs. She'd prefer not to go through customs too (the urn is 24K, if you know what I mean).
She is going on CP (because of my points). And she HATES US airlines so I'd prefer she stick with CP. The Exec Plat desk is helpful but are stumped by this question. They seem to have only people connecting from HKG to US destinations or vice versa. Actually if you think about it, it's exactly like a USA - Asia connection. So if you have transitted through YVR airport from the US to Asia, I'd like to know your feedback too.
Thanks for your help !
In early August, I might be accompanying my 74 year old aunt to Honolulu from London, UK. She is carrying my late-uncle's ashes on a last round-the-world journey before his last resting place (which will be in Sydney, Oz).
My aunt carries a Taiwanese passport. To enter Canada, she needs a Canadian visa. But the question here is that she does NOT want to go through the hassle of getting a visa (long story, don't ask. Something about initially offered Landed Immigrancy and she DECLINED).
Anyway, a Canadian Airlines employee friend from Toronto told me that she can transit through Vancouver airport without a visa because it is an International to International connection. Honolulu passengers are not precleared US immigration / customs as it is considered an International destination.
But everytime I ask a CP agent about this - I have received totally different answers. Some say that she needs to pre-clear customs (which I know for a fact that you don't - imagine those people going to Australia), some say she will be escorted through, and some say - just go get the visa. (Yeah, some people do have 'problems' when they apply). She will be travelling on the non-stop flight from London (LHR) on CP 91 which departs LHR (on Sat) at 1705. Arrival at YVR at 1830. The connecting flight from YVR departs at 2005 on CP 133.
So all you guys and gals, who know YVR airport. Please find out if she can go through YVR airport without going through Canadian immigration and customs. She'd prefer not to go through customs too (the urn is 24K, if you know what I mean).
She is going on CP (because of my points). And she HATES US airlines so I'd prefer she stick with CP. The Exec Plat desk is helpful but are stumped by this question. They seem to have only people connecting from HKG to US destinations or vice versa. Actually if you think about it, it's exactly like a USA - Asia connection. So if you have transitted through YVR airport from the US to Asia, I'd like to know your feedback too.
Thanks for your help !
Apr 21, 1999, 3:41 pm
#2
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C340:
One question:
Will she be returning to her origin via YVR?
I'm on decent terms with some customs/immigration people here, and they will be the ones who know for sure.
Ken
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 04-21-99).]
One question:
Will she be returning to her origin via YVR?
I'm on decent terms with some customs/immigration people here, and they will be the ones who know for sure.
Ken
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 04-21-99).]
Apr 21, 1999, 5:16 pm
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Ken -
Thanks for your quick reply!
My aunt will be originating from Melbourne. She'll be travelling MEL-HKG-TPE-LHR-SYD. These were all my uncle's favourite destinations, and my aunt would like to go there one last time....my uncle passed away last Jan. She holds Australian residency (but not the passport). She talks of 'returning' to Taiwan oneday when she got widowed.
So she would only be passing through YVR once. I haven't really asked CP if I can use CP points for a RTW oneworld ticket, otherwise, I'd just buy her the ticket. First or Biz Class of course. But the answer to your question, no, she won't be coming thru Canada ever again. My aunt and uncle were offered Canadian residency some years back but they declined. Entered but never really wanted it. So after 2 years, they gave it up. Since then, they had 'problems' even visiting Canada. So she has vowed never to enter Canada if she can help it - but she would like to see Grouse Mountain one last time from YVR airport.
If I am to travel with her (haven't decided yet if I will), can I skip immigration/custom formalities as well (I hold Canadian passport) since I'm accompanying her? (She gets nervous).
What about those people who fly in from the USA connecting to Asia? Do they need to go thru Canadian formalities? I think they do when they return to USA via YVR. Or maybe not.
Thanks for your help !
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 04-21-99).]
Thanks for your quick reply!
My aunt will be originating from Melbourne. She'll be travelling MEL-HKG-TPE-LHR-SYD. These were all my uncle's favourite destinations, and my aunt would like to go there one last time....my uncle passed away last Jan. She holds Australian residency (but not the passport). She talks of 'returning' to Taiwan oneday when she got widowed.
So she would only be passing through YVR once. I haven't really asked CP if I can use CP points for a RTW oneworld ticket, otherwise, I'd just buy her the ticket. First or Biz Class of course. But the answer to your question, no, she won't be coming thru Canada ever again. My aunt and uncle were offered Canadian residency some years back but they declined. Entered but never really wanted it. So after 2 years, they gave it up. Since then, they had 'problems' even visiting Canada. So she has vowed never to enter Canada if she can help it - but she would like to see Grouse Mountain one last time from YVR airport.
If I am to travel with her (haven't decided yet if I will), can I skip immigration/custom formalities as well (I hold Canadian passport) since I'm accompanying her? (She gets nervous).
What about those people who fly in from the USA connecting to Asia? Do they need to go thru Canadian formalities? I think they do when they return to USA via YVR. Or maybe not.
Thanks for your help !
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 04-21-99).]
Apr 21, 1999, 11:05 pm
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Those folks that go to Asia from the US don't need to clear any customs in YVR. However, when they get back to US, they only need to clear the US immigration. However, almost everytime when I get back from HKG, while walking on the bridge, the Canadian customs (sometimes with dogs) will check whether you have the passorts and the visas. May be they don't want ppl who can't enter Canada to claim for refugees.
Hope someone can verify it for me
Hope someone can verify it for me
Apr 23, 1999, 12:05 pm
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Hey KenHamer -
Any news on this yet? AA/CP in London knows absolutely nothing. CP Exec Desk is just as dumbfolded. I have a friend checking out with a CP gate agent in YVR.
We 'think' it is okay - especially even the YVR.CA website says that it's okay to transit from US to International. But it doesn't say anything about Int-Int though. I guess the airport thinks no one transits internationally.
Thx again!
Any news on this yet? AA/CP in London knows absolutely nothing. CP Exec Desk is just as dumbfolded. I have a friend checking out with a CP gate agent in YVR.
We 'think' it is okay - especially even the YVR.CA website says that it's okay to transit from US to International. But it doesn't say anything about Int-Int though. I guess the airport thinks no one transits internationally.
Thx again!
Apr 23, 1999, 5:14 pm
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I haven't forgotten you! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
My preferred contact has been off duty until tomorrow. (Saturday) I will be in touch with them tomorrow, and should have an answer tomorrow night.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
My preferred contact has been off duty until tomorrow. (Saturday) I will be in touch with them tomorrow, and should have an answer tomorrow night.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
Apr 25, 1999, 7:22 pm
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Heeee's baaaaack...
So I finally go to the airport today, only to find a sign on the door to Immigration that says Monday-Friday. Wish they'd told me that on the phone.
Anyway, being at the airport, I spoke to a Customs agent. His response "No problem. Remain in the transit area, then clear US INS/Customs before boarding the plane." Only problem is, you don't pre-clear on the way to HNL. So much for this guy.
Speak to CP agent at International check-in. He says, no problem, just stay in the transit area, then get on the plane. He's not certain of all the details.
Head to Trans-border check-in, and speak to one of those wonderful CP agents who can move mountains. He explains, in detail, the process, then calls it up on his computer screen for me to read it. Too bad he had no way to print it out. He also had some other useful suggestions. So here it is:
Your aunt will not need to clear Canada Customs/Immigration, if she meets the following four criteria:
1. Must have entry documents for the next onward country, in this case, the USA (i.e. Visa, passport, etc.)
2. Must arrive and depart on one of about 7 different airlines. CP is included in this list, so no problem here.
3. Must have onward ticket out of Canada, departing within 24 hours of arrival.
4. Must remain in transit area.
The agent figured that #4 would be the only problem, as confused passengers sometimes wander into the customs hall. His concern was that, not only would CP be fined $3000, but even worse, immigration would give the passenger a hard time. (I thought it kind of cool that he thought the passenger's problems were more important than the $3000 fine. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )
To alleviate these potential problems, he had several suggestions, in order of effectiveness:
1. When your aunt gets off the plane in Vancouver, have her "grab" the agent who will be waiting, and tell them "I am going to Honolulu." (His words -- "grab," and he meant physically take the agent by the arm.)
2. Before boarding in London, or wherever, have a notation added to the passenger record to request "Meet and Assist service" along with the details -- i.e. Elderly, may be confused/frail/lost/whatever, and is going to HNL.
3. And finally, if you want to be absolutely certain, request a wheelchair for her. (I suppose this depends on how she feels about it.) If you do that, there will be an agent assigned specifically to her, to make sure she gets on the correct plane at the right time, and stays in the transit area.
I'd have faith in this guy. He really seemed to know precisely what was going to happen, and how it all works. In any case, I'll phone immigration again tomorrow when they are open. I'll just have to ask whoever answers, and hopefully they will confirm the above.
Great agent. One of those people who can deal with and solve any problem. And keep cool the whole time, as well.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 04-26-99).]
So I finally go to the airport today, only to find a sign on the door to Immigration that says Monday-Friday. Wish they'd told me that on the phone.
Anyway, being at the airport, I spoke to a Customs agent. His response "No problem. Remain in the transit area, then clear US INS/Customs before boarding the plane." Only problem is, you don't pre-clear on the way to HNL. So much for this guy.
Speak to CP agent at International check-in. He says, no problem, just stay in the transit area, then get on the plane. He's not certain of all the details.
Head to Trans-border check-in, and speak to one of those wonderful CP agents who can move mountains. He explains, in detail, the process, then calls it up on his computer screen for me to read it. Too bad he had no way to print it out. He also had some other useful suggestions. So here it is:
Your aunt will not need to clear Canada Customs/Immigration, if she meets the following four criteria:
1. Must have entry documents for the next onward country, in this case, the USA (i.e. Visa, passport, etc.)
2. Must arrive and depart on one of about 7 different airlines. CP is included in this list, so no problem here.
3. Must have onward ticket out of Canada, departing within 24 hours of arrival.
4. Must remain in transit area.
The agent figured that #4 would be the only problem, as confused passengers sometimes wander into the customs hall. His concern was that, not only would CP be fined $3000, but even worse, immigration would give the passenger a hard time. (I thought it kind of cool that he thought the passenger's problems were more important than the $3000 fine. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )
To alleviate these potential problems, he had several suggestions, in order of effectiveness:
1. When your aunt gets off the plane in Vancouver, have her "grab" the agent who will be waiting, and tell them "I am going to Honolulu." (His words -- "grab," and he meant physically take the agent by the arm.)
2. Before boarding in London, or wherever, have a notation added to the passenger record to request "Meet and Assist service" along with the details -- i.e. Elderly, may be confused/frail/lost/whatever, and is going to HNL.
3. And finally, if you want to be absolutely certain, request a wheelchair for her. (I suppose this depends on how she feels about it.) If you do that, there will be an agent assigned specifically to her, to make sure she gets on the correct plane at the right time, and stays in the transit area.
I'd have faith in this guy. He really seemed to know precisely what was going to happen, and how it all works. In any case, I'll phone immigration again tomorrow when they are open. I'll just have to ask whoever answers, and hopefully they will confirm the above.
Great agent. One of those people who can deal with and solve any problem. And keep cool the whole time, as well.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 04-26-99).]
Apr 26, 1999, 4:49 am
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Thank you -
You did MORE than ANY CP Exec Plat desk member can do and MORE! Where can I send you the Ultimate UPG certs?
PS - If I am to accompany my aunt during her travels (that is, if I can stand her constant ramblings for 20 hours), can I go through the same proceedings? I hold a CDN passport. We're trasitting this time round.
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 04-27-99).]
You did MORE than ANY CP Exec Plat desk member can do and MORE! Where can I send you the Ultimate UPG certs?
PS - If I am to accompany my aunt during her travels (that is, if I can stand her constant ramblings for 20 hours), can I go through the same proceedings? I hold a CDN passport. We're trasitting this time round.
[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 04-27-99).]
Apr 27, 1999, 2:14 pm
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A brief follow up -- but first, yes, a Canadian Passport holder can transit through YVR the same way.
After getting the explanation from the CP agent, I decided to double check with immigration officials on Monday. What a mistake. They gave me non-sensical, contradictory answers, indicating the need for a visitor's visa.
After all that, I sent a long e-mail to Vancouver Airports customer serivce people. They responded the next day, with a length explanation of the exact procedure for a transit. They also included all sorts of other useful information, such as what happens if the connection is missed, what facilities are open at that hour, and so on.
(No she doesn't need a visa, of any type. If the connection is missed, then the airline will take care of all documentation issues.)
A very impressive, and quick, response from a great airport. They have a great web site as well -- check it out at :
http://www.vancouverairport.com/
Regards,
Ken Hamer
After getting the explanation from the CP agent, I decided to double check with immigration officials on Monday. What a mistake. They gave me non-sensical, contradictory answers, indicating the need for a visitor's visa.
After all that, I sent a long e-mail to Vancouver Airports customer serivce people. They responded the next day, with a length explanation of the exact procedure for a transit. They also included all sorts of other useful information, such as what happens if the connection is missed, what facilities are open at that hour, and so on.
(No she doesn't need a visa, of any type. If the connection is missed, then the airline will take care of all documentation issues.)
A very impressive, and quick, response from a great airport. They have a great web site as well -- check it out at :
http://www.vancouverairport.com/
Regards,
Ken Hamer
Apr 29, 1999, 2:29 pm
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(from the AC Maple Leaf lounge in YVR)
My inbound flight from SEA was late, so I missed my connection to YYZ. Since I now had a long layover, I decided to look into the transit issue by talking to AC. They told me exactly the same thing that Ken Hamer already stated - you do NOT need a visitor visa to transit thru YVR.
Even when I was coming in - I noticed that the pathways diverged - one pathway had a sign "Canada arrivals - Customs" leading downward into the immigration / baggage / customs area while the other pathways went upstairs and the sign said "US and International Connections" - so unless you wander into the wrong area you will not need a visitor's visa.
So it doesn't matter whether you are flying AC or CP or any other airline - the procedure is the same.
My inbound flight from SEA was late, so I missed my connection to YYZ. Since I now had a long layover, I decided to look into the transit issue by talking to AC. They told me exactly the same thing that Ken Hamer already stated - you do NOT need a visitor visa to transit thru YVR.
Even when I was coming in - I noticed that the pathways diverged - one pathway had a sign "Canada arrivals - Customs" leading downward into the immigration / baggage / customs area while the other pathways went upstairs and the sign said "US and International Connections" - so unless you wander into the wrong area you will not need a visitor's visa.
So it doesn't matter whether you are flying AC or CP or any other airline - the procedure is the same.
Apr 29, 1999, 5:06 pm
#11
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Not all airlines are the same at YVR. For the two Canadian carriers, of course, the procedure is fairly basic. This is also the case for 5 or 6 other airlines, but some require special procedures. BA is one example. I'm not sure why that is -- it may be the gate or terminal that they arrive in.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
Regards,
Ken Hamer
Apr 30, 1999, 2:20 pm
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So if we take the BA flight from London to Vancouver, the procedure is different? What about arriving on a CP flight number , I asked the CP Exec Plus agent once. She replie, " Oh then why did you say that it was on BA? Then of course the situation is different..."
Hello? It's still a BA plane! SO I never got the answer to that! Kenhamer - did you find out which 7 airlines has this agreement?
Thanks to megamiles for your extra effort in pointing out the signs to me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Hello? It's still a BA plane! SO I never got the answer to that! Kenhamer - did you find out which 7 airlines has this agreement?
Thanks to megamiles for your extra effort in pointing out the signs to me! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Apr 30, 1999, 2:58 pm
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May 1, 1999, 7:51 am
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No, Rudi, it doesn't. That's why I have had to ask these people here - . There is no information for an International to International connection.
May 1, 1999, 11:29 am
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In my letter e-mail to the Vancouver Airport Authority, I suggested they add a page for international to international connections.
I did not make a list of specifically which airlines can make those "in transit" connections, except that the airline in question, CP, was included in the list.
CP 91 is operated by CP isn't it? That was the assumption I was proceeding on. If that's not the case, let me know, and I'll find out about the BA connections, and which other airlines can "transit."
Regards,
Ken Hamer
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 05-01-99).]
I did not make a list of specifically which airlines can make those "in transit" connections, except that the airline in question, CP, was included in the list.
CP 91 is operated by CP isn't it? That was the assumption I was proceeding on. If that's not the case, let me know, and I'll find out about the BA connections, and which other airlines can "transit."
Regards,
Ken Hamer
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 05-01-99).]