Passport and Flying out of Buffalo?

[yosh12]

What are the requirements for flying out of Buffalo if you are a CDN citizen. Obviously when you cross the boarder you need to show ID and such. But, do you have to show your id again at the airport for customs???? Just wondering.

Thanks

 

[surfer_ed]

I think all you need is a Picture ID, like a drivers. I think passport is always a good idea.

 

[TimNDansMom]

You definitely have to show picture ID (we use passports) when checking in and/or at the Security check. After that you can put your ID away and just keep your boarding pass handy.

 

[dancin Disney style]

If you are flying from BUF to another US city it is a domestic flight so you only need a government issued photo ID. You do however have to have citizenship ID for you border crossing--- so if you have a passport that will cover both situations.

Just a note: Last week I spoke with a client of mine who was on vacation in Europe and she had her purse stolen. In her wallet were her credit cards, health card, drivers licence, SIN, etc. She had all these things that we need for our everyday life in Canada but most of them were not needed on vacation. So, leave all these extra peices of ID at home in a safe place if you don't need them on vacation. Imagine the hassle she now has to go through to replace ALL her ID.

 

[dsneygirl]

Once you are at the airport in BUF you only need photo ID (drivers license) not proof of citizneship (passport) because you are now on a domestic flight. I would never both taking my SIN and/or Health Card they are completely useless outside of Canada.

 

[TimNDansMom]

I have been told at CAA when purchasing emerg med insurance that I also need to have my health card if I should need to call the insurance company, which you are supposed to do first, for instructions.

Now, I could probably just record the number somewhere and leave the card at home. I'm curious to know what others have been told?

 

[Northstar]

About the health card and insurance, I suppose it depends on whether you're purchasing secondary insurance (the policy picks up any costs that are not covered by your primary insurance... you have to first claim through your health card, then, months later, after they decide how much they'll reimburse you, you can claim for the rest of your expenses through the travel policy). Primary insurance policies, where you don't have to claim through your provincial health card first, are more expensive.

I would take that advice about bringing your health card as a warning... you are buying secondary insurance, which means you will have to pay your expenses up front, then claim for reimbursement through your provincial health plan, and only then get to claim through the insurance you purchased specifically to pay for any emergency medical expenses.

But about leaving the ID at home.... with my luck, the place would burn down or get burgled! Or I might unexpectedly need to rent a car and need my driver's license. And credit cards... I know people who have had their accounts frozen or unexpected holds put on a card while traveling... luckily they had more than one card. I suppose I could do without my library card, my Starbucks frequent-buyer card, and I never carry my SIN card anyway. I guess the only solution is to make sure you have copies of vital ID packed in a separate place.

 

[Donald - my hero]

A friend of ours put all of his credit cards etc on scanner/photocopier and copied front of all cards. Then he flipped them over and did the same thing. It just made things easier in case his wallet got stolen or left on a counter somewhere Now he knows exactly WHICH cards he owns and the phone # to call. Also has the account number to tell each company. He keeps the paper in his car! That way if he is away from home he has it still