Westjet and Pearson Airport

[Saskmom]

I am new to the Board, I have been reading for a couple of weeks. There have been other posts on this subject but I am looking for some more detail on the actual process.
We are leaving for Orlando from Saskatoon on January 28, flying with Westjet. We have 90 minutes to reclaim our baggage, clear customs, recheck our baggage and catch the last leg of our flight to Orlando. Of course Westjet says they would not build the connections if we couldn't do this in this time. I have seen alot of posts that this is not possible or will result in a very rushed, stressful trip through the airport. Can anyone tell me the following:
1. Do you have to leave the secured area of Terminal 3 at Pearson at any time and go through the whole security xray, metal detector, liquid police again or do you stay in the secure area while claiming your baggage which is already tagged through to Orlando and going through customs?
2. Has anyone had a Westjet employee escort/expidite them through Customs?

Our other option is to show up at the airport at 5:30 in the morning and try to get on the 7:00 am flight to Toronto and then sit in the Toronto airport for 6 hours before our flight to Orlando.
We are travelling with two children ages 7 and 9.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[siobhan1997]

I am new to the Board, I have been reading for a couple of weeks. There have been other posts on this subject but I am looking for some more detail on the actual process.
We are leaving for Orlando from Saskatoon on January 28, flying with Westjet. We have 90 minutes to reclaim our baggage, clear customs, recheck our baggage and catch the last leg of our flight to Orlando. Of course Westjet says they would not build the connections if we couldn't do this in this time. I have seen alot of posts that this is not possible or will result in a very rushed, stressful trip through the airport. Can anyone tell me the following:
1. Do you have to leave the secured area of Terminal 3 at Pearson at any time and go through the whole security xray, metal detector, liquid police again or do you stay in the secure area while claiming your baggage which is already tagged through to Orlando and going through customs?
2. Has anyone had a Westjet employee escort/expidite them through Customs?

Our other option is to show up at the airport at 5:30 in the morning and try to get on the 7:00 am flight to Toronto and then sit in the Toronto airport for 6 hours before our flight to Orlando.
We are travelling with two children ages 7 and 9.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

OK 1. YOu will have to pick up your bags recheck them go through customs, then recheck through security, again with your little baggy etc.

2. When you recheck your bags at the Westjet counter at this time ask for an escort through customs. They have a special line just for pilots, flight attendants, etc. and this is the customs line your Westjet escort shall put you and your party in and they will stand there until you and your party are all cleared.

Good luck, we had a 55 minute changeover, we made it using the escort, but we did not do checked bags only carry on.

 

[cab0899]

We have done this twice and although it is stressful it has worked out okay. When you get off the first flight, finding the door to US departures is a little tricky so maybe just ask someone rather than looking for it. I have found that West Jet is good at unloading the luggage fast for people with tight connections and by the time we reach the luggage carousel for US connections the luggage was sitting waiting for us already. If you have lots of luggage make sure you have change and grab a cart on the way to the luggage carousel. Then yes, through US customs and security again. Kim

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Question: Is it easier of you arrive and depart for your connection in Terminal 1?

 

[Saskmom]

Thanks for the answers. I am very stressed about this because the more we try to rush my oldest son the slower he moves. It will be at around 7 in the evening so I hope the lines won't be too long.

 

[daver]

Thanks for the answers. I am very stressed about this because the more we try to rush my oldest son the slower he moves. It will be at around 7 in the evening so I hope the lines won't be too long.

WELCOME TO THE DISCUSSION FORUM!!

Best advice: Leave one piece of luggage loosely packed with clothes, pick them up, pack you booze inside, wrapping them in clothes, then go to the luggage check. it really doesn't take that long. We did it in October, and it really wasn't that tough compared to waiting at the luggage check in for our next flight.


HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!