New to this, so Hello and apologies if this is in the wrong forum/format - Ive browsed about before posting and it looks right. Anyway...

I'm planning on flying UK to Canada later in the year.

Edinburgh (EDI) -> Seattle (SEA) (via Amsterdam, NWA/KLM)
Seattle -> Kelowna (YLW) (Alaska Airlines)

Only flown long distance once before and went direct and budget (Globespan).


Ive three main areas of questions:
1. In Seattle, do I need to go through customs? Is it straightforward getting my luggage from NWA and checking in for AlaskaAirlines? Got 4 hours between the flights. What if my flight is late arriving in Seattle, will insurance cover me for another flight to Canada?

2. Is there any benefit to booking with a travel agent? Seems to be cheaper if I book EDI - SEA with opodo and SEA - YLW direct with airline.

3. Can someone point me in the direction of a discussion on the pros & cons of seat position on long haul flights (ie window vs aisle, back vs front vs wing and so on).

Hope that all makes sense!

While I can't comment on anything else (as I don't know), I CAN tell you that yes, you will have to clear US Customs in SEA (then Canadian in YLW).

Thanks. No probs with Canadian customs (or American for that matter!).

Is there anything I need for going into the US other than passport and flight ticket/schedule?

IIRC You will need a US ESTA electronic travel application even when connecting.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Ciao,
FH

Unfortunately, you do have to go through both immigration and customs at SEA. You'll need to collect your bags after immigration and then clear customs. Then you get to recheck your bags and clear "security" before the flight to YLW. 4 hours should be plenty of time.

As to insurance, there's lots of policies. Check with the insurer.

The advantage to the TA is that the flights should all be on one ticket, so that if you misconnect, NW is obligated to get you to YLW. If you book them separately and misconnect, then you are at the mercy of AS for rebooking.

• www.seatexpert.com
  
• www.seatguru.com
  
• Specific airline forums here at FT.

Personally, I'd avoid the stupid and unnecessary nonsense with immigration, customs, and the TSA "security" experience of the USA and fly directly to Canada if possible.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Many thanks folks!

Bit of a downer having to go through immigration and customs in SEA. Ahh well.

Thats what I'm weighing up. �650 to vancouver but then I need to get to near Kelowna (�100) or I can fly to Kelowna via US for �600.

Seems like via US is best option on my budget.

Ive had a quick look at US visa waiver - cant see any costs - is it free to apply?

I'd second that motion, but chances are the OP has a cheap fare through SEA or a Skyteam miles fetish, so here we are.

Like most US airports, SEA does not have a sterile airside transit lounge for passengers like you who are just passing through; everybody has to "enter the country" even if you are leaving right away. The silver lining is that SEA is not a bad airport to navigate for international arrivals and chances are you won't even have to visit the main terminal.

Your incoming longhaul will dock at the South Satellite, as do all arrivals from overseas. This is a mini-terminal separated from the main terminal by an underground train; the customs and immigration facilities are isolated out there too.

When you disembark, go downstairs and go through passport control. Then go to the baggage wheel and collect your checked bags. Pass through Customs with nothing to declare, and on the other side of the Customs barrier you'll find a bag recheck desk where you should be able to get your stuff retagged to YLW. You'll then have to pass through security as if you were just arriving at the airport, which makes no sense as you've already been "airside" all day and, having transited AMS, subjected to more stringent, professional and sensible screening than we'll ever imagine, but that's how we roll here.

Chances are your onward Horizon Airlines puddle-jumper is departing from the South Satellite also, so all you'll need to do is go upstairs and get a boarding pass from a kiosk or gate agent if you did not get one in EDI or AMS.

Whatever you do, don't put your bag on the conveyor belt to the main terminal as if SEA were your final destination, because then you will have to go and get it. And don't get on a train unless your YLW segment is not leaving from an "S" gate -- today they were departing from S16, which will be right over your head as you exit Customs.

Hope that helps!

Hi Bear, yeh its a cheaper flight through SEA that also takes me right to my destination rather than dropping me in Calgary or Vancouver (and having to pay �100 - �150 to AC for another flight or Greyhound).

Dont have any miles as I'm a new flier (other than popping around Europe on Ryanair).

Yes the ESTA is free and is valid for two years. It is a new scheme that goes with the Visa Waiver Program(me).

Ciao,
FH