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US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 13:57
by Vegascrazy
Just thinking about a trip next year involving flying direct from Vancouver to Palm Springs. As far as I know PSP does not have border control facilities, does anyone have experience on preclearing US immigration & agriculture at YVR?

Thanks
James

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 14:03
by slinky09
Not at YVR but have several times at YYV. I'll guess similarities however you:

- Check in.
- Next step is US immigration which is just like doing it an any US airport.
- Then US customs, again same as any US airport - after which IIRC you then drop your bags if you're checking them.
- Then you're into the 'secure' area of the terminal, you board your flight, then disembark as if it were an internal flight.

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 16:12
by Vegascrazy
Thanks Slinky, appreciate that!

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 17:28
by honey lamb
I've done it from YYC and it was as slinky described. I found it a very pleasant experience compared with TSA in the US. Of course it was helped by the fact that there was no queue

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 17:40
by ratechaser
I've done it in the past from FPO (ok, who knows that one without looking it up!!) into MIA, it was very very easy indeed, and just as Slinky described. The fact we were flying on a tiny Beech 1900 may have helped ease the congestion a bit though...

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 18:22
by preiffer
Every Canadian airport I've departed to get to the US has been the same.

Ironically, they're not only friendlier but also appear to be a LOT more efficient. Must be something in the air up there that makes the DHS guys happy...!

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 19:30
by slinky09
preiffer wrote:Every Canadian airport I've departed to get to the US has been the same.

Ironically, they're not only friendlier but also appear to be a LOT more efficient. Must be something in the air up there that makes the DHS guys happy...!


More efficient yes, but apart from LAX, US immigration in Toronto was my second worst ever experience ... ;) . You may be right generally, but there's always an exception!

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 19:39
by preiffer
Blimey - have never had a problem, ever, "up there".

Although fully agree on one thing - there's something in the water at LAX... :(

Re: US Border preclearance

PostPosted: 11 Jun 2012, 21:44
by tontybear
The only time I have been sent for secondary screening was on arrival at Pearson. The guy doing that said 'I have no idea why you have been sent here so have a nice stay' !

secondary was quicker than the primary !