Nexus?

[brandyleeann]

Hello fellow Canadians!

We have Nexus cards and I am hoping other Nexus card holders can provide a few tips and tricks for what I am supposed to do with it now that I have it!

I know we are meant to use the retina scanning device when we approach the Customs/Immigration line, but what else do we do? I assume that after scanning we head to the Nexus line and pass through Customs and Immigration? We also go through the Nexus line at security? What about when we come home? Do we fill out that declaration card still?

Sorry, I am sure this is painful for experienced Nexus travelers, and I feel like a total novice, and I sincerely appreciate your advice and experiences!

Brandy

 

[starvenger]

Really, it's easy peasy.

I think one of the bigger things is that you don't have to fill in paperwork - both Global Entry (to US) and Nexus (to Canada) will ask you the same questions that are on the form.

There's also the fact you don't have to talk to CBP or Canada Customs, although to be honest I've found the US CBP to be nice folk with a pretty healthy sense of humour.

But coming back, just ask the people at the entrance to Customs where the Nexus line is. Although to be honest, if I'm coming back to Toronto via Air Canada, and have checked baggage, it won't make a difference since it will still take an hour to get my stuff.

 

[dis_guy]

For us the biggie is Global Entry. It's nice for pre-clearance at Canadian airports and gets you to your gate quickly but when we used to catch the United redeye from Edmonton to Houston (pre-clearance closed at that time) , arriving at 5 AM along with thousands of others, the GE kiosk looked a lot better than the massive line in the main customs hall, believe me. We typically come back to Canada later in the evening, so the line for regular customs is ofter shorter than the Nexus line, so we just go there. Just as fast if there's no wait.

 

[LemonNeko]

I don't have a Nexus card buy my mum does. She found out they have a Nexus line for domestic flights which made going through security faster.

 

[ABCanada]

What about when we come home? Do we fill out that declaration card still?

Returning to Canada you do fill in the declaration card. You hand this in with the print out from the kiosk as you leave the secure area after you have picked up your bags. (Returning to Canada you go to the kiosk, insert your Nexus card, retina scan, answer the questions and take the printout with you walking right past the agents. After picking up your bags you hand in the declaration card and printout as you leave.)

Entering the US you do not need to fill in the form. You answer all the questions on the terminal it takes your picture and you hand it in to the agent. (You do need to stop at the agent)

Put your Nexus number on as Known Traveler for your flight information so you get TSA pre-clearance in the US (much easier and faster screening; check the website for details).

 

[kiford]

One thing that DH discovered in the San Francisco airport coming home is that you need to ensure that your Nexus card number gets onto your boarding pass. If it's not on that, they won't let you into the TSA pre-check lines. We discovered that in Orlando on the way home in December. We had our Nexus cards and thought that would get us into the pre-check line but they wouldn't let us. You have to present it when you get your boarding pass.

She found out they have a Nexus line for domestic flights which made going through security faster.

Yes, I used it from Pearson to Ottawa and back. You can get into the shorter security lines. You just need to show your card.

 

[Disney127]

Returning to Canada you do fill in the declaration card. You hand this in with the print out from the kiosk as you leave the secure area after you have picked up your bags. (Returning to Canada you go to the kiosk, insert your Nexus card, retina scan, answer the questions and take the printout with you walking right past the agents. After picking up your bags you hand in the declaration card and printout as you leave.)

Entering the US you do not need to fill in the form. You answer all the questions on the terminal it takes your picture and you hand it in to the agent. (You do need to stop at the agent)

Put your Nexus number on as Known Traveler for your flight information so you get TSA pre-clearance in the US (much easier and faster screening; check the website for details).

.

Entering the US, we also scanned our fingerprints at the kiosk. And agree about entering your Nexus number on your flight information to get TSA pre-clearance. Like DD mentioned the first time we used our Nexus card, it's like a Fastpass at the airport.

 

[dvcdisney]

We've only had our Nexus card for a few months so we're still new at this. And on the two trips we took since we received the card, it didn't seem to help too much.

Granted, the first trip was within Canada. Since we had family who didn't have Nexus card accompanied us on the trip, we were able to determine the time it had saved us. At Pearson, we saved about 15mins (doesn't seem that long but it was nice) and at Vancouver, we saved no more than 5 mins. When we entered the Nexus line, there was no one there so they just made us go in front of the regular line. When we looked back, our family was only about 5 people behind us.

When we used it this past December, we drove across the boarder. The Nexus line was shorter than the others, but not to the extent that we usually see it. There were many regular lines open and one Nexus. So although we may have saved some time, it was likely just a few minutes. On the way back was late in the evening and there were very few people in the regular lines but the Nexus line was open, so we decided to go there so we knew what it would be like to go from US to Canada. We didn't realize there wasn't anyone at the booth and when we got there, we didn't know what to do, but then there was someone at the intercom asking questions and to show the cards again (since I'm sure my husband didn't hold it correctly the first time) and then we were done.

We are going to Orlando again this March and we will be able to do the iris scan etc for the first time. So I have a quick question about that? What kind of questions are asked? I just want to know if I should help my kids go through the process or they can do it themselves. It would depend on the questions.

 

[Disney127]

We go thru US Customs and Immigration in Calgary when we are traveling to the US. Usually, there is a long line up but we have found that using our Nexus, it did saved us abit of time - more time to line up at Timmy's

At the US kiosk after you scan your fingerprints, they ask the same questions that are on the Customs Declaration form that you would fill out when you are entering the US without the Nexus card ie: primary purpose of your trip, close proximity of livestock etc . Coming back into Canada after the iris scan, I think that the questions are the same as on the Canadian Custom Declaration card ie: bringing back any firearms, commercial goods, value of goods etc. Usually, I have to help DDs 19 and 14 plus DH but the kiosks are close enough that I can just tell them what to check off. We have also used one kiosk at a time so that I can help with the questions. Hope that this helps!

 

[brandyleeann]

Thanks so much everyone! Where do I add our Nexus information to our flight? We are travelling with United and I am only seeing the spot for our passport information. Thanks so much

 

[Disney127]

Thanks so much everyone! Where do I add our Nexus information to our flight? We are travelling with United and I am only seeing the spot for our passport information. Thanks so much

We don't fly United but do you see a place where you can enter your known traveler ID number? This is where I enter my Nexus number when I fly Alaska Airlines.

 

[brandyleeann]

Found it Thanks everyone!!!

 

[shoppgirl]

We have used nexus many times with my girls at YYZ. I would recommend all sharing one or two machines (I take one girl, and DH takes the other),taking turns and helping the kids through the iris scan and questions. The iris scan can be very tricky and we have never been able to have all four sets of eyes scanned!!!! there is usually one of us that isn't successful. You only get a couple of chances to get it right, then the machine spits out a paper saying you need to see an agent if you aren't. If this happens all of you need to line up at the special services customs agent at the end of the row of nexus machines to be manually processed. This is for coming back to Canada. Don't forget to continue filling in the customs form they give you on the airplane. You need to present this along with the nexus forms upon exit after you get your luggage.

On your way down to Orlando, you will go through US customs, and there are Global Entry machines to use which are MUCH easier!! All you need to do is scan your passport then your fingerprints and answer a few questions. The fingerprint scan is so much easier to use than the iris scan. Did you have your fingerprints scanned at the same time you did the iris scan?

 

[dvcdisney]

We go thru US Customs and Immigration in Calgary when we are traveling to the US. Usually, there is a long line up but we have found that using our Nexus, it did saved us abit of time - more time to line up at Timmy's

At the US kiosk after you scan your fingerprints, they ask the same questions that are on the Customs Declaration form that you would fill out when you are entering the US without the Nexus card ie: primary purpose of your trip, close proximity of livestock etc . Coming back into Canada after the iris scan, I think that the questions are the same as on the Canadian Custom Declaration card ie: bringing back any firearms, commercial goods, value of goods etc. Usually, I have to help DDs 19 and 14 plus DH but the kiosks are close enough that I can just tell them what to check off. We have also used one kiosk at a time so that I can help with the questions. Hope that this helps!

Thanks! That makes sense. I don't know why I thought that the children would not have as many questions. I guess I have to help my children as well. Perhaps it's better for my husband to share a kiosk with one child and I will do the same.

 

[dvcdisney]

We don't fly United but do you see a place where you can enter your known traveler ID number? This is where I enter my Nexus number when I fly Alaska Airlines.

I wish WestJet offers the same section. I couldn't find a place to enter it anywhere. When I called to inquire, they said that they don't offer it during reservations, but I could input the number when I check in.

 

[Starwind]

I wish WestJet offers the same section. I couldn't find a place to enter it anywhere. When I called to inquire, they said that they don't offer it during reservations, but I could input the number when I check in.

When we traveled in December, WestJet explained that they are updating their computer systems to allow the KTN to be entered in advance, but that the systems at the time did not have that function. Eventually it would, just not "now". The KTN had to be entered at checkin, and for us at least, by the human Westjet agent at the checkin counter -- there was no option for us to enter it when checking in online or at the kiosk at the airport.

When I flew last week for work on a Delta ticket, I was able to add the information to my Delta SkyMiles profile and I then fonriemed by phone that delta had the info linked to the current reservation. Delta informed WestJet of the KTN, but it didn't matter on the Westjet end because those were Canadian flights where access to the Nexus line is by showing your Nexus card, not a marking on your boarding pass.

SW

 

[dvcdisney]

When we traveled in December, WestJet explained that they are updating their computer systems to allow the KTN to be entered in advance, but that the systems at the time did not have that function. Eventually it would, just not "now". The KTN had to be entered at checkin, and for us at least, by the human Westjet agent at the checkin counter -- there was no option for us to enter it when checking in online or at the kiosk at the airport.

When I flew last week for work on a Delta ticket, I was able to add the information to my Delta SkyMiles profile and I then fonriemed by phone that delta had the info linked to the current reservation. Delta informed WestJet of the KTN, but it didn't matter on the Westjet end because those were Canadian flights where access to the Nexus line is by showing your Nexus card, not a marking on your boarding pass.

SW

I, also, inquired about adding it to my WestJet ID account and they said that the system does not accommodate the option. When I was told that it would have to be added on during online check in, I hope I was provided with the correct info. I'd prefer not to have to go to the counter since it defeats the purpose of checking in online.

I'm also a little concerned when you mentioned that WestJet passengers are asked to just show their Nexus card since I've read in some places that people are being turned away if it is not specified on their boarding pass.

The only experience we've had with Nexus and WestJet is a flight to and from Vancouver. Since it's not an international flight, we were only able to use it for the security. And when I say use, I mean show them and they let us through to get ahead of people...for some reason their Nexus section was closed. So it was awkward when they stopped the regular line and let us through. We really didn't expect this at all.

I'm hoping we'll have no issues with the upcoming trip when we'll be able to use it to fly to/from US. We are flying AC on the way back, but I had no problem providing the KTN ahead of time. I hope it's not an issue when we check in.

 

[Starwind]

I, also, inquired about adding it to my WestJet ID account and they said that the system does not accommodate the option. When I was told that it would have to be added on during online check in, I hope I was provided with the correct info. I'd prefer not to have to go to the counter since it defeats the purpose of checking in online.

I'm also a little concerned when you mentioned that WestJet passengers are asked to just show their Nexus card since I've read in some places that people are being turned away if it is not specified on their boarding pass.

The only experience we've had with Nexus and WestJet is a flight to and from Vancouver. Since it's not an international flight, we were only able to use it for the security. And when I say use, I mean show them and they let us through to get ahead of people...for some reason their Nexus section was closed. So it was awkward when they stopped the regular line and let us through. We really didn't expect this at all.

I'm hoping we'll have no issues with the upcoming trip when we'll be able to use it to fly to/from US. We are flying AC on the way back, but I had no problem providing the KTN ahead of time. I hope it's not an issue when we check in.

FOr TSA PreCheck lines in participating USA airports, you have to have "TSA PreCheck" printed on your boarding pass.

For Nexus security lines in Canada you show your card, there is no notation on your boarding pass.

For the Nexus security lines in Canada, it seems to depend on the airport and perhaps also time of day for how they handle it. Here in Ottawa for the domestic/international-not-USA security line, you enter the Nexus line and it takes you to the front of the line of the normal line basically. Except usually they have a separate security screening row that is for Nexus and sometimes also for medical issues screening.

At Pearson airport I have done it two ways: one there was a whole separate screening area for Nexus holders. The other it was one side of the normal area, with its own nexus line (well, when we went through there werent any other humans *in* the nexus line.... in Ottawa usually there isn't anyone else in the Nexus line, either... it is pretty much walk through and up to the front and then into the screening area... meanwhile a few dozen non-Nexus people are waiting their turn).

Finally, note that for TSA PreCheck, although having the Nexus card/KTN makes you eligible to be chosen (by TSA) for TSA PreCheck, it does not guarantee you WILL be. OTOH, if I were to receive a USA boarding pass that did not have "TSA PreCheck" on it, I would speak to an airline rep at the counter to make sure they actually have my KTN properly entered.


SW

 

[dvcdisney]

FOr TSA PreCheck lines in participating USA airports, you have to have "TSA PreCheck" printed on your boarding pass.

For Nexus security lines in Canada you show your card, there is no notation on your boarding pass.

For the Nexus security lines in Canada, it seems to depend on the airport and perhaps also time of day for how they handle it. Here in Ottawa for the domestic/international-not-USA security line, you enter the Nexus line and it takes you to the front of the line of the normal line basically. Except usually they have a separate security screening row that is for Nexus and sometimes also for medical issues screening.

At Pearson airport I have done it two ways: one there was a whole separate screening area for Nexus holders. The other it was one side of the normal area, with its own nexus line (well, when we went through there werent any other humans *in* the nexus line.... in Ottawa usually there isn't anyone else in the Nexus line, either... it is pretty much walk through and up to the front and then into the screening area... meanwhile a few dozen non-Nexus people are waiting their turn).

Finally, note that for TSA PreCheck, although having the Nexus card/KTN makes you eligible to be chosen (by TSA) for TSA PreCheck, it does not guarantee you WILL be. OTOH, if I were to receive a USA boarding pass that did not have "TSA PreCheck" on it, I would speak to an airline rep at the counter to make sure they actually have my KTN properly entered.


SW

Thanks for the information and tips. As I mentioned, we haven't used it that often, so I'm thankful to hear any info. Also, it's good to know that in Canada, it would not be noted on the boarding passes. I read somewhere that it was the only way they would let you through. I do notice the Nexus area in Pearson, but we've yet to go in.

I understand that some lines are dedicated and others just allow you to bypass some of the regular line. I just didn't like the way they did it in Vancouver where they literally just stood there and stopped people and let us through. But I guess that's how they would do it if the Nexus isn't busy.