Booking return flights from Vancouver - how much time?

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I'm looking at airfare for our Alaska cruise next summer and am confused about the customs process. I'm assuming we go through customs as we leave the ship. Will we then go through US customs at the first stop in the states? Some trip reports I've read seem to indicate returning cruisers go through customs at the Vancouver airport?

The cheapest option for us by far is connecting through LAX, but I imagine the customs situation will be much more involved there than at a smaller airport. One itinerary (of course it's $200 cheaper than any other) only gives us 50 minutes for our connection at LAX. I'd appreciate any clarification from someone familiar with the Canadian/US customs process.

Thanks!

Laurie

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

It seems like the consensus is that we go through US customs in Vancouver after checking in for our flight and can check our luggage through LAX to Columbus. I'm still concerned about that 50 minute connection though, even though it will all be on Delta.

Laurie

 

[bumbershoot]

You go through US customs at the Vancouver airport, yes.


LAX, as I think of it, is in "pods". If Delta only comes into ONE "pod", you should be fine. But with an international flight coming in, I'm not sure. Can you look up your flight numbers on a site like flightaware to see where they traditionally arrive into and depart from, gate-wise?

 

[Yellowjj]

You clear at Vancouver airport and are then treated as a US domestic flight. 50 mins is adequate for connecting for at LAX. Delta uses Terminal 5 and a few gates in Terminal 6. Both are connected in the secure area via a walkway.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

FYI, you can pre clear customs at a number of Canadian and other foreign locations:

http://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/operations/preclearance

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Thanks for the info!

Laurie