Recent Timing at Vancouver US Custom

[bottom-dragger]

Saturday I had one chance to catch an 0800 out of Vancouver to connect with a northbound to Juneau to catch a southbound to Petersburg. The previous day I had flown into Vancouver from Dawson City via Whitehorse and I was ready to end this traveling thing. I'm going to the airport early.

 

I got dropped off at 0530, checkin and US customs were a walkthrough, I spent most of the time pushing the baggage cart (free carts, woo-hoo). The counterperson at Alaska commented on how early I was. Most travelers were recreational but I didn't see any cruise coaches offloading groups of people. All flights were full. Just a data point.

 

And yes shoppers, all the stores on the concourse are open that early.

[PennyAgain]

You were wise to get out of there prior to arrival of the masses of cruise passengers.

 

When I'm in Vancouver BC on business, I make every effort to schedule an early departure for my flight.

[Coral]

I flew home on a Monday afternoon recently and it was a breeze. Unbelievable and kudos to Vancouver's airport. Plus - all the employees were extremely friendly!

 

I remember years ago when you had to haul your luggage through customs but the newer method (which they have probably used for years now) makes it so much easier!

[Putterdude]

Two comments, one being US customs at YVR does not open until 0500 so B-D was there shortly after they opened the doors. Secondly, while it was just a data point there is no way with a 0700 ship arrival in Vancouver can the cruise lines have a their transfers arriving at YVR much before 0830 so he was home-free so to speak. OK, there points....there are more than 2 dozen US customs stations at YVR...I have never seen more than half of them open.

[am2]

We're flying home (well to Chicago) from Vancouver with two kids on a 6:30am flight. What time should we arrive at the airport then? Is 5am early enough?

[Putterdude]

We're flying home (well to Chicago) from Vancouver with two kids on a 6:30am flight. What time should we arrive at the airport then? Is 5am early enough?

 

5 am or just before should do it just fine. To save a few minutes you could ask the passenger services desk on your ship for the a US customs form and have it completed before you arrive at the airport....if not they have the forms at a kiosks at the airport but it does take a few minutes to complete one.

[am2]

5 am or just before should do it just fine. To save a few minutes you could ask the passenger services desk on your ship for the a US customs form and have it completed before you arrive at the airport....if not they have the forms at a kiosks at the airport but it does take a few minutes to complete one.

 

Great tip... thanks! We'll pick up the first shuttle from our hotel (Holiday Inn near the airport) and I think it's at 4:30am.

[PennyAgain]

Great tip... thanks! We'll pick up the first shuttle from our hotel (Holiday Inn near the airport) and I think it's at 4:30am.

 

That Holiday Inn (near YVR) is a good choice for an early departure. They will see you out the door in good order. http://www.holidayinnvancouverairport.com/hotelinformation.aspx If you booked the cruise special, you get some extra goodies.