Flying out of Vancouver after cruise

[2P2W]

How early can I book a flight out of Vancouver after we disembark? Do you think we could make an 11:30am back to the states?

 

[xlxo]

Doable, but not recommended as it can be stressful if you encounter delays.

Possible timeline...

• 7:30am walk-off (you will be skipping the breakfast.... that you paid for)
• 8:15am cab ride to airport (takes about 35 minutes, subject to traffic congestion)
• 8:50am arrive at the airport for 3 hour check-in, US customs (you are screened before you leave Canada), and security searches (weapons, luggage, carry-on, body, hand, and cavity). Enjoy a breakfast prior to leaving the country post-security
• 11:30am wheels up.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Agree with xlxo but it could be very stressful. After our cruise, we stayed an extra day in Vancouver and just relaxed. Best money ever spent. Got off the wonder, grabbed a cab to our hotel and spent our extra day taking a nap and just walking about town. It was a great ending to a great vacation and we came home rested.

 

[jenmiller114]

We flew out at 11:45 on a Monday after the repot from San Diego to Vancouver in May. We had second seating and still made it to breakfast... they push you out pretty quickly anyway. We were able to get off the ship as soon as we finished eating because we were in the first group to debark since our flight was so early. We did not carry our bags off but claiming them was pretty quick too. We took a cab and made it to the airport with quite a bit of time to spare. In fact, we just sat out in the front lobby for awhile before starting the whole check in/customs experience.

If you have the option to stay another day, I would say go for it. I wish we could have. But if you need to fly out and that's the only flight for the day, then you should be able to do it. I do agree that it can be stressful because everything has to work perfectly and anything can happen. But I would do it again if I had to.

Jennifer

 

[xlxo]

Some pre-flight options to spend the time around the airport.....

• if you are at the airport more than 3hrs before your flight... there is a new massive outlet mall just minutes outside the airport that allows you to do some shopping. Just be aware of luggage weight surcharges if you buy too much. You can use the Canada Line subway to get between the mall and airport for free.
  http://www.mcarthurglen.com/ca/mcarthurglen-vancouver/en/
• you want to be at the airport 3hrs for US and 2hrs for other flights. Once past security.... you might want to spend some time exploring the restaurants and shops that exist post-security

 

[labdogs42]

I'm opting for the red eye home. We depart at 11:30 pm on on departure day.

 

[xlxo]

My recommendation....

• use CDS baggage at the cruise terminal to ship your luggage to the airport for evening pickup
• go on a post-cruise tour or Hop On services to explore the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain offer free shuttles outside of cruise terminal.
• consider Dim Sum as an Asian High Tea for lunch
• try some Gelato as an afternoon snack
• 7:45pm... start the 30 minute journey by train or taxi to the airport. Perhaps go to airport earlier for dinner post-security?
• 8:15pm... pick up your luggage at airport. Need to confirm CDS operating hours when you drop off luggage
• 8:30pm... 3hr pre-check in requirement. Post-security dinner?
• 11:30pm.... wheels up!

 

[labdogs42]

My recommendation....

• use CDS baggage at the cruise terminal to ship your luggage to the airport for evening pickup
• go on a post-cruise tour or Hop On services to explore the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain offer free shuttles outside of cruise terminal.
• consider Dim Sum as an Asian High Tea for lunch
• try some Gelato as an afternoon snack
• 7:45pm... start the 30 minute journey by train or taxi to the airport. Perhaps go to airport earlier for dinner post-security?
• 8:15pm... pick up your luggage at airport. Need to confirm CDS operating hours when you drop off luggage
• 8:30pm... 3hr pre-check in requirement. Post-security dinner?
• 11:30pm.... wheels up!

OMG, Awesome! Thanks! What's CDS luggage? How do I arrange that? Great tips!

 

[xlxo]

CDS luggage operates a luggage service in the cruise terminal. They can store bags until 4pm or have them shipped to the airport for you to find (err pickup).