Alaska- Concierge- What time can I fly home out of Vancouver?

[Csgrandma]

Can I make it onto an 8:50 am flight? There are 11 of us. I know you guys are the experts. Thank you!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Can I make it onto an 8:50 am flight? There are 11 of us. I know you guys are the experts. Thank you!

Impossible!

We left with express disembarkation taking our own baggage off, front of queue, no breakfast in MDRs, and had private transfers and we got to the airport at 8.40am.

It took an hour to get through USA border control.

The Wonder didnt dock in Vancouver until 7am.

 

[xlxo]

I would say No.

• ship pulls in around 7:15am.
• first off is 7:30am
• budget 15 min for customs
• 35 min for cab to airport
• 8:45am realistically for earliest at airport
• most flights want you at airport 2hrs before departure
• what happens if there are traffic delays. You should budget 1hr to get there
• are you planning to drag all your luggage yourself as walk off? Otherwise expect to walk off later
• best to plan for a 1pm or later flight.
• are you going to have a final free breakfast to say good bye to your hosts? You might be eating until 9am if you have the later second meal sitting
• why not stay another day in Canada to see your neighbor?

 

[Csgrandma]

What time is a reasonable flight time, especially with a group of 11?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

What time is a reasonable flight time, especially with a group of 11?

11.30am onwards.

 

[Csgrandma]

I'd love to stay longer but time off work is going to be tough for many. I have a family group of 11. We are coming in 3 days early.

 

[bumbershoot]

Looking at your location, remember that it's an international flight. Many people get to the airport 3 hours before flight time for international flights. Add to that the fact that you clear US customs AT Vancouver airport (so you don't have to do that when you get home), and you do want to have that extra time at the airport.

8:50 flight = 5:50 arrival at the airport, and usually you aren't even docked by that time. You're definitely not disembarking at that time.


Have you booked your first flights? If not, what if you arrive 2 days ahead and stay 1 day at the end?

 

[Marypoppins14]

So the procedure is to clear US customs whilst in Vancouver, thus not needing to clear US Customs in a connecting airport in the US?
So if I travel from YTR to SFO for a connecting flight to JFK, I won't need to go to baggage claim in SFO, clear customs, then recheck luggage to JFK? That's what I typically need to do for other international flights....

 

[disneyfaninaz]

So the procedure is to clear US customs whilst in Vancouver, thus not needing to clear US Customs in a connecting airport in the US?
So if I travel from YTR to SFO for a connecting flight to JFK, I won't need to go to baggage claim in SFO, clear customs, then recheck luggage to JFK? That's what I typically need to do for other international flights....

Correct, you are cleared through US customs in Vancouver before boarding your flight to SFO. In fact, after you clear customs there is a sign above the doors to the gates welcoming you to "The United States of America."

 

[SirDuff]

So the procedure is to clear US customs whilst in Vancouver, thus not needing to clear US Customs in a connecting airport in the US?
So if I travel from YTR to SFO for a connecting flight to JFK, I won't need to go to baggage claim in SFO, clear customs, then recheck luggage to JFK? That's what I typically need to do for other international flights....

Yes, although Vancouver if YVR, not YTR. When you land in SFO, it is essentially as if you are coming off of a domestic flight.

It does mean, however, that you need to declare any food you're bringing on the plane to eat. Not generally a big deal, but something to remember.

 

[xlxo]

What time is a reasonable flight time, especially with a group of 11?

Assuming you are going to Indianapolis.....

I see several flights with one connection throughout the day. I recommend American Airlines 1pm departure connecting through Dallas....

• American Airlines 1189, departs 1:05pm
• American Airlines 2276, arrives in Indianapolis at 11pm

 

[xlxo]

So the procedure is to clear US customs whilst in Vancouver, thus not needing to clear US Customs in a connecting airport in the US?
So if I travel from YTR to SFO for a connecting flight to JFK, I won't need to go to baggage claim in SFO, clear customs, then recheck luggage to JFK? That's what I typically need to do for other international flights....

I think that depends on the airline and the airport you are going to.

Yes, once I land in SFO, I can walk out to catch a cab without any customs.

When I tried to get to Vegas via LAX... I did not need to look for my luggage, it was automatic. However, when I got out of one LAX terminal from flying Air Canada... I had to be screen a second time when I entered a second terminal for Vegas.

 

[Csgrandma]

Thank you for helping me before I caused a real problem for our large group. I actually live 35 minutes from downtown Chicago so Ohare is our destination. Thank you!

 

[mmouse37]

Glad you booked a later flight. Also I don't think being concierge or non concierge would have any bearing on your getting off the ship to make the flight. Alaska was awesome and we fell in love with the city of Vancouver. Have a great trip.


MJ

 

[xlxo]

Thank you for helping me before I caused a real problem for our large group. I actually live 35 minutes from downtown Chicago so Ohare is our destination. Thank you!

Hmm.... for July 27.... nonstop to Ohare...

• 11am United 246 ... not recommended as you might be stuck in traffic
• 11:40am WestJet 1622 .... might be able to make it.
• 1:48pm United 298 .... best choice/recommendation!

If you book the 1:48 flight.... you can always show up early and see if they will allow you to switch to the 11am flight. Otherwise the 1:48pm is fall back and you stay to try out the award Dim Sum in the area for lunch. There's also All-you-can-eat sushi in the area too to load up after the cruise ship leaves you hungry.

 

[bumbershoot]

So the procedure is to clear US customs whilst in Vancouver, thus not needing to clear US Customs in a connecting airport in the US?
So if I travel from YTR to SFO for a connecting flight to JFK, I won't need to go to baggage claim in SFO, clear customs, then recheck luggage to JFK? That's what I typically need to do for other international flights....

Yep, most airports in Canada are cool like that.



Glad you booked a nice flight! No one should rush after a nice cruise. It also gives you a bit of time to enjoy the beautiful Vancouver airport. Love that place!

 

[xlxo]

The objective is to screen out trouble makers before they board the plane and end up in the USA. Otherwise the airline may be responsible.

There was a time when Canada would post immigration staff in Asia to screen questionable travellers from trying to get into Canada. By denying problem travellers from getting Canada, airlines and taxpayers did not need to house trouble makers in 5 star hotels for weeks until their court date, nor need to pay for a return ticket.

 

[noahdove]

I'm hoping to book a flight around 2pm as well...I'm praying because I know my husband will be ready to get back home....

 

[xlxo]

I'm hoping to book a flight around 2pm as well...I'm praying because I know my husband will be ready to get back home....

What is your desired final airport? Ohare?

 

[SirDuff]

BTW - you'll also pre-clear US Customs/Immigration at the Vancouver train station if you are taking the Amtrak Cascades train down to Seattle or Portland (or anywhere the route).