First Time Vacationing outside Canada
 

My wife and I want to take a sunny vacation for her 50th. I have been recommended to take a cruise. I have hears not-so-nice things about TSA. Am I being paranoid or should I look for destinations that do not go through US airspace.

Don't give it a second thought.

Canadian border officers are often much bigger jerks, though the competition is close.

It'd be difficult to find a Caribbean or Mexican cruise that would not require you to fly over the US to get to the departure port. :)

While many like to complain about the TSA or CATSA, going through security is only a small part of the travel experience and isn't something to overly worry about. Choose a cruise itinerary that interests you on a ship with activities that you'll enjoy and you'll have a blast.

First Time Vacationing outside Canada
 

Many -- not all, but many -- people who have bad experiences with border guards I think have bad experiences with other people in life, too.

Of the scarring memories I have from travels, few are from people whose job is to protect me.

No, it should not be a consideration for you. Enjoy your trip.

Relax and enjoy your trip.

Thankyou for your reassuring words. I feel more confident and comfortable in flying now. Looking forward to a great cruise.:D

Airspace is irrelevant. A nonstop flight from Canada to the Caribbean over US airspace is no different than a nonstop flight from Canada that just flies over open international waters. You won't interact with US TSA in any way.

On the other hand, if you change planes in the USA en route to/from your destination, you'll need to clear US customs, immigration, and security. That's likely no more intrusive for you than another nation's, but it does mean you'll have to do it twice each way (once for the US, and once for the destination country).

But I agree with others, it may be a bit of a hassle, but I wouldn't let it dictate my destination. Enjoy the cruise.

A happy 50th to your wife. I would not let having to deal with TSA ruin a possible dream cruise!

While you can avoid the US and embark elsewhere, you may severely limit your options.

My experiences with the TSA have been generally ok to positive. Many are just doing their job and are not trying to go out of their way to be jerks. This is not always the case, but most are civil. In general follow the TSA guidelines for screening (3,1,1; shoes off...) and you will be good to go.

Enjoy!

My experience with the US customs and immigration for vacations has been fine. Just have the details of your trip in your mind if asked (cruise, etc...) and no problem. I've had issues with them going into the US for work, but not for vacation.

Personally, I find the YVR Canadian immigration folks pretty poor - very suspicious on my returns (I'm a Cdn citizen) since I do solo trips fairly often.

Have a great 50th in the sun and warmth.

I actually prefer to fly out of a US city, in my case Bellingham or Seattle, whenever I travel. Going through immigration at the border via car is an easy, usually 20 second interaction and the Bellingham airport is so small that clearing security is almost as easy. Friendly TSA, no lines, and much less rigid. Even with a 1 hour drive from home to BLI, my overall travel time is much, much less than it would be flying out of YVR considering security lines and clearing US and Canadian customs/immigration there and back.

So back on topic, don't worry about the TSA. Take your deserving wife on that cruise and enjoy.

And as above, if you live anywhere near a border city, consider making the drive over and flying from there. The airfares are usually cheaper and the taxes and fees certainly are. At least from YVR where the taxes, AIF and surcharges are astronomical compared to flying from BLI or SEA.

Since this is your first vacation outside of Canada, I'd just fly out of your airport, not try to drive down to do the US airport thing.

There is a small difference that most passengers would never notice. If the flight traverses the airspace of the 48 contiguous United States, then the passenger list must be uploaded to Homeland Security and screened against the various watchlists prior to departure, even if the flight doesn't stop in the US. So, if you happen to be on a US watchlist, you won't be allowed to board a flight that overflies but does not stop in the US. Plus the US gov't will have the details of your travel plans.

Speaking to the OP, don't let TSA scare stories hold you back. Air travel is as popular as ever: 2011, the latest year with figures available, set an all-time record for air travel in the US. If airport security were as onerous as some people claim, the number would be going down, not up.

80% of complaints come from 20% of travellers.

Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your travel. Not even countries your government does not want you going to. :D

having lived in Canada for 18 years, I'm hold citizenship in both Canada and US..
i agree with the comment that Canadian customs/border agents are much worse. You are much more likely to encounter pain on your return into Canada

Enjoy the trip!