Fly out Toronto or Buffalo

[Canadian Tom]

Hello: Have to make a decision and I would like some input. On a trip March 23r to April 7, 2022. I can fly Westjet out of Toronto or drive to Buffalo and fly Jet Blue. I'm concerned with getting PCR tests in orlando area and coming back to Canadian airport. If I fly out of Buffalo and there is a problem with getting the PCR test, I have my car at the airport and could stay and extra night in Buffalo and drive across the boarder. I also heard that to board a plane in Toronto to USA I will need a PCR test, but to board a plane in Buffalo I wouldn't?, Is the right? Thanks Canadian Tom

 

[hdrolfe]

You need an antigen test to fly to the US (not PCR). They are offered in a lot of pharmacies but I am not sure how available they are right now. You do not need a test to drive to the US (provided you are vaccinated) or to fly within the US. I'm not sure it's any harder to get a PCR test in Florida than it would be in Buffalo but either plan sounds fine to me. The one benefit of driving across is you may be able to do so with a positive test to come home (there may be a fine, but if you have a quarantine plan this may not apply, I haven't read any stories of recently given the change to wording is only a week old).

 

[Eeyore's the Best]

I will always choose flying out of Buffalo over Toronto. You save yourself the hassle of the test requirement to go by driving and yes you have two options for the way home either test in Florida or test in Buffalo. Before this whole possibility of the fine if you cross the border with a positive, my plan was always to test in Buffalo just in case, but now I think I would rather be stuck in Florida than Buffalo for the ten days. Buffalo airport is smaller, almost never has security lines and easy to clear customs at the drive through border rather than at Pearson.

 

[Frozen2014]

Same dilemma for our August trip as it seemed like a great plan to fly home from Orlando and then test. But now it may be an issue driving home afterwards if positive (or taking a chance on a hefty fine). Also one downside with flying out of Buffalo is that since a test isn't required to fly out of the US, then you are not necessarily flying with others that are negative (whereas if you fly out of Toronto, everyone would be boarding the flight with a recent negative antigen test)

 

[migel]

I flew from Toronto to MCO in November. While it wasn't terrible (I wasn't selected for random testing on my return, which helped), I told myself that was the last time. I'm flying out of Buffalo on March 23. The only downside is the possibility of testing positive prior to return. Although testing has gotten busier in Florida, getting a return PCR test is not a concern. If I test positive, I extend my stay. I have my own place, so the only major expense is extending my car rental. But hopefully, by late March, border requirements may also ease up somewhat. Good luck!

 

[Canadian Tom]

Thanks to all for the advice. I think my choice is now--- fly out of Buffalo or drive the entire way. Thanks Canadian Tom