Vancouver Airport-Wheelchair & Customs/Security

[3inparty]

Some of our group will be staying in Vancouver for a couple of days after the cruise. They will be returning to the US, mid-morning on Tuesday through VYR.

 

1. Any insight re the length of a typical Tuesday morning customs/security process?

 

2. As there is a mobility issue involved, which could be compounded by a long wait followed by a long walk to the gate, would airline wheelchair assistance help or hinder the VYR Customs/Security process?

 

Thank you.

[Keith1010]

I would arrive to the airport about 2 1/2 hours before the flight. We returned very recently from a cruise on a weekday and that worked out well for us.

 

Keith

[PennyAgain]

I would order a wheelchair and insist the person have the use of it through the process. No handy way to know how many ships are dumping passengers off on that day, although it is the end of the season.

 

Having a wheelchair will make the process much easier and more comfortable.

 

It won't affect security or immigration at all.

[Putterdude]

DW has MS and needs a wheel chair assisit from the check in counter to the gate. You may have to wait a few moments for an airline employee to push the chair but from that point you are expidited through a special lane at both US customs and security. The whole process ordinarily only take 10 to 15 mins. They will include any resonable number of travel companions, I would suggest 2 or 3 unless there was children involved. This year the has been basically no cruise ships in Vancouver on a Tuesday so if you are travelling this fall there should be no major delay.

[scottbee]

Some of our group will be staying in Vancouver for a couple of days after the cruise. They will be returning to the US, mid-morning on Tuesday through VYR.

 

1. Any insight re the length of a typical Tuesday morning customs/security process?

 

2. As there is a mobility issue involved, which could be compounded by a long wait followed by a long walk to the gate, would airline wheelchair assistance help or hinder the VYR Customs/Security process?

 

Thank you.

 

Get a wheel chair as soon as you check in. DOn't let them say (Oh they're just over there). Unlike most airports, when flying to the USA from Vancouver you don't drop your bags at checkin as you need to pre-clear USA customs & immigration and ths US DHS require you to have them with you for what can be a long lineup pre-security

 

 

1. Checkin
   
2. US C&I
   
3. Security / Drop bags
   

#2 is generally where the longest waits are.