Just back some observations on SW and BUF

[dsneygirl]

Just thought I would share my thoughts as there are usually lots of questions about this. We flew out Thur May 17 at 7am and came home yesterday May 26th on the 4:10 non stop.

1. We only had our drivers license and DS's BC and had NO issues whatsoever at the border or at with SW or airport security. So those of you who don't have passports yet don't sweat it.

However

2. DO NOT attempt to use your Health Card as ID. There were 3 women checking in next to us who only had their Ontario Health Cards, the SW agent was giving them a hard time but eventually accepted them. I was really surprised and even more surprised the agent at the border let them in.

3. Arrive early for your flight. We were there approx 5:45 for our 7:10 flight. We breezed through security but there were at least 6 or 7 people who ran on the plane at the very last minute. The pilot even announced they were waiting for some people tied up in security. Do not try and cut it too close.

4. Boarding/Pre Boarding. Leaving Buffalo people did not start to get in the A, B, C lines until about 20-30min before the flight. There were only about 5 or 6 families in the Pre Board line. Leaving Orlando people were already lined up more than an hour before departure time and at least HALF the plane was in the pre board line. I attribute the big discrepency to flying on a weekday vs a weekend. It was nuts though.

Flights were smooth both times although 30min late leaving Orlando to come home. Any questions I would be happy to answer.

 

[cabmom]

Answer to your #2, they were actually friends of mine. Were they 2 blondes and a brunette? The 2 friends of mine, don't drive, and don't have a passport, therefore they didn't have any other picture ID.
We flew out later that day, we didn't all fly together, we came home on the 21st,they flew in on the 22nd.
I know what you mean about line ups at both airports!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I'm quite surprised anyone would accept the Ontario Health card as valid photo I.D. -- simply because it isn't valid photo I.D. for anything other than receiving health care in Ontario. One can't even use it as I.D. for purchasing alcohol, never mind using it as prove of residency or citizenship.

 

[dsneygirl]

Answer to your #2, they were actually friends of mine. Were they 2 blondes and a brunette? The 2 friends of mine, don't drive, and don't have a passport, therefore they didn't have any other picture ID.
We flew out later that day, we didn't all fly together, we came home on the 21st,they flew in on the 22nd.
I know what you mean about line ups at both airports!

It might have been. Don't remember exactly.

I'm quite surprised anyone would accept the Ontario Health card as valid photo I.D. -- simply because it isn't valid photo I.D. for anything other than receiving health care in Ontario. One can't even use it as I.D. for purchasing alcohol, never mind using it as prove of residency or citizenship.

My thoughts exactly. I would have been getting my passport for sure. DH said the same thing "A Health Card isn't valid in Ontario for ID why would it be anywhere else." I definitely would not take the chance of being turned back without having proper ID.

 

[mtry]

A health card is valid ID in a bar in Ontario....only thing is, the bartender CAN NOT ask for it but if the patron shows it willingly it is legally acceptable. But still an interesting story, getting back to your post.Did you have a good time! In Tampa we missed a SW plane because of security line and we were not so fortunate that the pilot waited.

 

[dsneygirl]

Yes we did have a good time. Sadly our 10month old had an ear infection so we had an in room Dr visit. But after a day of penicillian he was back to normal. The rest of the trip was fantastic. Amazing weather, not too crowded. We had a blast.

 

[misslissa]

Just a note to everyone about the Ontario Health Card...

DO NOT show your Health Card to ANYONE other than the doctor. The reason that photos were added was to protect against fraud. Showing the Health Card is the same as showing off your PIN number, your SIN number or anything else that you wouldn't normally show. It is ILLEGAL for anyone to ask to see it... so, likewise, keep it personal.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

A health card is valid ID in a bar in Ontario....only thing is, the bartender CAN NOT ask for it but if the patron shows it willingly it is legally acceptable.

I find that quite surprising as the health card is not valid ID for purchasing alcohol from the LCBO, nor is the Ontario Health Card listed as an acceptable form of Photo ID by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario.

 

[pkitty]

Two years ago I had the unfortunate experience of having my wallet stolen....2 weeks prior to departing for WDW. With the help of my local MP's office I managed to get back all ID but my Drivers licence (which they put a rush on). I was told that even though I had my health card it would not be accepted by customs as formal id (only my birth certificate and DL or a passport would do). We where on pins and needles....my licence showed up the day before we left (cutting it close). When we arrived at the airport I asked the customs agent whether or not they would have accepted my health card...he said absolutely not. He told me that if you don't drive and hold a valid drivers licence it is your responsibility to obtain the correct travel id...a passport. So long story short I would not risk travelling by air without a DL , Birth certificate or passport. I think those other 3 ladies got very lucky!