For those who have flown NY (or thereabouts) to Vancouver for Alaska cruise....

[mimmiepnp]

I am a bit confused and need some guidance from those of you that have travelled to Vancouver from NY (or East coast) for Alaska cruise.

How much time do I need with a layover as I cannot find any direct flights, except for Air Canada and I have not heard great things about them so I am trying to avoid flying with them?
Flying down, I can find a flight with a two hour layover which should be fine but on return flights (as we are trying to leave on disembarkation day) it is only a 55 minutes lay over. Naturally, this is not an accurate schedule as my flights will be out the following week but this is for the Monday prior and I do not expect a big change in the schedule. Is that enough time?
And, do i need to go thru customs/immigration when changing planes in the US as it would be arriving from Vancouver or when do we do that?

I have always flown direct and am unsure how to book in the upcoming weeks and not sure of the customs/immigration process on a non-direct flight.

Second question, we always try to get flights out on disembarkation day after 12 but would a 11:25 am flight be cutting it close??

Thank you

 

[bcwife76]

Flying from Vancouver to the US, you will go through US customs and immigration in Vancouver before you board (unless your layover is another CDN city, such as Toronto).
It's hard for anyone to say a 55 minute layover would be good or not without more information; which airport are you connecting in that has a 55 minute layover? Personally that would be a bit tight for me for my comfort level but that's just me.

An 11:25am flight out of Vancouver once you disembark *is* possible IF You do express walk off and skip breakfast (or do Cabanas) and take Canada Line skytrain (vs waiting in the taxi line) or already have a car service waiting for you.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Have you tried Google flights? I see non stop Vancouver to Newark on United.

Personally I think 55 minutes is too short. Any delays and you’ll be stuck if it’s a big airport A smaller airport might work but I probably wouldn’t do it, not a gambler. I’d probably take Air Canada over the short layover.

 

[DM Minnie]

It depends on which airport is the layover. If it is toronto then 55 is too short. If it is Calgary then that small of time is totally fine.

 

[mmouse37]

When we did Alaska in 2011 we flew Cathay Pacific (wonderful). We flew JFK to Vancouver direct. The fare was about $550 pp if I remember correctly. We arrived 4 days early to explore Vancouver and flew home on a late flight (about 10:00 pm) day of disembarkation

MJ

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

I’ve flown Cathay Pacific from JFK to Vancouver (en route to Hong Kong) and it was a great trip, great service, good food. Hoping to do that for Alaska or else might try Jetblue to Seattle.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

So... flying from Boston-this year-haven't done it yet. Flights are tricky and from Boston, anyway, not direct. I did score a direct flight, non-stop, Air Canada on the return for an excellent price, but I am staying an additional day. I did not want to rush off the ship and run to the airport. And it is an early morning flight, thus needing to stay. I found all flights, for us anyway on the return, were miserable red-eye, with long, multi hour layovers to leave upon disembarkation. So we stay and tour Vancouver for an additional day. More fun that way. As for flights out-very expensive. Decided to fly Southwest on points to Seattle. Train up to Vancouver. Hoping that works out well. Good luck with your search.