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Question about tight itinerary at YYC

Question about tight itinerary at YYC

 
Old Jul 1, 2008, 12:35 pm
  #1  
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Question Question about tight itinerary at YYC

I'm thinking about doing the Calgary Marathon on Sunday morning and flying from YYC to BOS (through MSP) that afternoon - the next flight is at 10 PM and it's about $500 more, which would make the trip unaffordable for me. I should be done with the race by 11:30 AM, and according to Google Maps it's 21 mins to drive to YYC, where I would also need to return my rental car. I will not be checking any bags.

The flight is on NWA at 1:50 PM. Is that cutting it way too close? Anyone have any insight about the YYC airport? In particular, are there international kiosks or do I have to see an agent to check in? How is security?

Thanks!
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 12:56 pm
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I haven't been through there in a few years, but from my recollection, you should be fine. If you check in online that should also help speed things along. It's not a huge airport, and the rental car returns are right at the terminal (no shuttle bus). I think that if you're at the airport by 12:45 you should be fine (if you've checked in online). Traffic should not be an issue either, as long as the marathon route doesn't cut off any major roads.
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 1:01 pm
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Can I check in online though if it's international?
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 1:24 pm
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When should passengers arrive at the airport:

* Domestic to/from the U.S. and Canada flights: 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) prior to departure.
The above is from NWA's website. You will need to pre-clear US Customs in YYC. I have found in the past, that if you are there by the 1:15 mark they will not let you on.
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 1:34 pm
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Originally Posted by jjvan
The above is from NWA's website. You will need to pre-clear US Customs in YYC. I have found in the past, that if you are there by the 1:15 mark they will not let you on.
I assume you mean if I am NOT there by the 1:15 mark. So that means as long as I can get to the airport before 12:35, I should be fine? It's cutting it close but I think I might risk it... if anything, it's inspiration to run faster
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 2:06 pm
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Since you've got an anticipated 4:30 time you must have some idea of how your body feels immediately after finishing. Keep in mind that for any mass start race, especially one with walkers the difference between gun and chip time could be significant. Since you're finishing with the masses in the 4 hour stretch plan for some congestion in the finish area as well plus some extra time getting out of the immediate area and back to your hotel or car. And remember you do need some time to clean up (shower before getting on a plane post-marathon!) and that this may take slightly longer than your average routine.
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 10:05 pm
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Originally Posted by SceneStealer7

The flight is on NWA at 1:50 PM. Is that cutting it way too close? Anyone have any insight about the YYC airport? In particular, are there international kiosks or do I have to see an agent to check in? How is security?
As a marathoner and occasional traveler through YYC, as well as someone who tends to push his luck with security times, etc....I'd say go for it, but its pretty risky.

You can check in online or at a kiosk, but you need to swipe your passport prior to clearing US customs. One easier way to do this and probably avoid the 75 minute rule is to use a kiosk outside the main NWA bank, I have used the kiosk at the Delta hotel across the street, and you can swipe your passport.

The main variable is the line for US customs there, I've experienced it to take as much as 30 min in the early mornings, and I've waited as little as a minute or 2. Security is usually pretty quick, no more than 5 minutes, then a 5 minute walk to the gate (maybe more after 26.2 that morning).

Its definitely doable, but there are a lot of possible holdups.


Good luck, have a great race. Calgary is a nice place.

BTA
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 10:17 pm
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Thanks so much! That's exactly what I was looking to find out. I'm signed up and will just do my best to be fast so as to get to the airport on time
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Old Jul 1, 2008, 10:42 pm
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Originally Posted by SceneStealer7
Thanks so much! That's exactly what I was looking to find out. I'm signed up and will just do my best to be fast so as to get to the airport on time
One wild card would be if you had a Nexus card. Then you could at least cut the line for immigrations.

Good luck with the run. Remember, start slow. Negative splits..
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Old Jul 3, 2008, 9:48 am
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From my experiences through Calgary....

Calgary always tends to be a crap-shoot when it comes to time at the airport. I would say for the 1:50 flight that you should be ok, however a few tips and observations:

1. As you face the USA airlines, there are some kiosks to the right that will give you a boarding pass for any of them. Touch your airline and swipe your passport. I've also used the Kiosks at CO (next to NW) when no one was in line there - they also have the NW button on the start screen.
2. The US Immigration rule is check in (swipe passport) 60 min. before scheduled departure. Strictly enforced by everyone.
3 If you do not have checked luggage, walk behind any of the podiums to go to the immigration and customs area.
4. US customs and immigration has not been too bad in the afternoon (morning line ups are sometimes ridiculous).
5. After customs you have the security screening. This sometimes has been a real sloooow process. GA's are often found calling out the flights to escort you to the front of the line.
6. And finally, pray a bus of Japanese tourists doesn't pull up ahead of you. Banff is a very popular tourist area (2nd to Hawaii I was told) for the Japanese.
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Old Jul 3, 2008, 10:29 am
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Thanks - that's very detailed and just what I need! Will keep you all posted on how it goes
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