Flying out of Vancouver after Alaska cruise

[smashndash]

We noticed a 5:00 a.m. flight out of Vancouver the day after we return. I have read that the airport doesn’t open until 4:30 a.m.

Is that possible to catch the 5 a.m. flight given we are leaving Canada heading back to U.S. and not being able to use TSA pre-check which also doesn’t open until 4:30 a.m.?

If it matters, the flight leaves Vancouver and stops in Calgary before leaving Canada.

Trying to figure out if this would be smooth or if we would be better off just to get a later flight.

TIA

 

[starry_solo]

TSA pre check doesn’t work outside the US.

You’d be better off with a different flight.

 

[SirDuff]

I mean, they aren't going to schedule a flight that no one can make - of course the airport will be open in time to check-in and go through security (without TSA pre-check) though it might be closer to 2 hours than 3 hours ahead (which is fine given that you have a domestic flight first).

What airline?

 

[Chemist]

A 5 am flight sounds horrendous, but you didn't ask that. (I occasionally have to take a 6 am flight and it is pretty awful getting to the airport on time.)

But yes, the airport is set up for you to catch that flight.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Trying to figure out if this would be smooth or if we would be better off just to get a later flight.

As @SirDuff notes, the airport will be open for security for scheduled flights, as airport website says to arrive 2-3 hours ahead depending on domestic or international. Will you be changing planes in Calgary? Might make a difference both in Vancouver or Calgary. I would suggest contacting the airport with specific questions for your situation, ie with the connection where/if will you go through US passport check and the exiting Canada check since your first leg is domestic.

https://www.yvr.ca/en/contact-us

 

[SteveMouse]

I’d have a good plan for getting to the airport (eg, staying at the airport hotel) rather than worry about transportation at 2:30 am.

 

[smashndash]

I mean, they aren't going to schedule a flight that no one can make - of course the airport will be open in time to check-in and go through security (without TSA pre-check) though it might be closer to 2 hours than 3 hours ahead (which is fine given that you have a domestic flight first).

What airline?

Delta

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Stay at the hotel right at the airport. They will be open for any scheduled flights

 

[jtkboston]

Delta

Most likely a Delta code-share, operated by WestJet. Delta doesn't have route authority to operate domestic Canda flights.

 

[holula]

If you are flying to Calgary first, you’ll complete US immigration in Calgary, not Vancouver.

It looks like security for domestic Canadian flights opens at 4am:

https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/shop-dine-and-services/383

 

[DCLMP]

A 5 am flight sounds horrendous, but you didn't ask that. (I occasionally have to take a 6 am flight and it is pretty awful getting to the airport on time.)

But yes, the airport is set up for you to catch that flight.

A lot less chance of delays or cancellations. I almost always take the first flight out.

 

[otten]

If it stops in Calgary then you aren’t going to go through customs in Vancouver. You’ll have to do in in Calgary. The Vancouver-Calgary leg will be domestic. It isn’t that the airport doesn’t open until 4:30, it’s US customs that doesn’t.

Clearing US customs during a layover can be tight, especially if you don’t have Nexus or Global Entry. Check how long the layover is.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

especially if you don’t have Nexus or Global Entry.

We got Global Entry for this exact purpose on a recent trip to Montreal. Customs was literally less than a minute

 

[otten]

We got Global Entry for this exact purpose on a recent trip to Montreal. Customs was literally less than a minute

Yep. It's easy with Global Entry or Nexus but without one of those it can take a long time and make connections tight. We recently travelled through Calgary with someone who didn't have Nexus so we all waited in the regular line and we did make our flight but it was close.

This is even more true if needing to do customs while connecting in Toronto. Don't attempt if you don't have Nexus or Global Entry.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Global Entry is well worth the investment. Some credit cards pay the fee. Plus you get TSA-Pre. The hours saved is well worth it-every penny