Connecting to US flight in Vancouver airport YVR

[Sn0cruiser]

We’ll soon be booking a flight from our airport through Vancouver to LAX which is a first for us.  We have a couple of questions to help us decide how long a layover to book.
 

We know we’ll need to complete US border/customs in Vancouver.  Do we have to go through security again first like in Toronto Pearson ?  
 

Also, does filling out the new CBP MPC speed up the customs process ?

[dawnvip]

AFAIK,  you will need to go through security and customs in Vancouver. The biggest question is determining whether you need to collect your bags and check-in to your second flight or not.

 

If bags are checked through, then you will only need to walk across the terminal to US Connections. The "security" will consist of showing your passport and boarding pass to someone at a doorway along the corridor, before continuing on to Customs (very quick). Filling out CBP MPC won't help you here.  Give yourself at least an hour and half for this scenario.

 

Some airlines do not participate in the US connections process with baggage, so be sure to confirm. And if luggage is not checked through then you will need to go downstairs to collect bags, then go upstairs and all the way over to US Departures, check in to second flight and go through security and Customs. Using CBP MPC will definitely help in this instance. Give yourself at least 2 and a half hours for this scenario.

 

[Sn0cruiser]

Thank you !

[dawnvip]

No problem!

 

I should have mentioned that if your bags are checked through, then follow the signs for US Connections at "E" gates. This way you do not have to leave the "secure" airside. 

[em-sk]

On 10/9/2023 at 8:43 AM, Sn0cruiser said:

We’ll soon be booking a flight from our airport through Vancouver to LAX which is a first for us.  We have a couple of questions to help us decide how long a layover to book.
 

We know we’ll need to complete US border/customs in Vancouver.  Do we have to go through security again first like in Toronto Pearson ?  
 

Also, does filling out the new CBP MPC speed up the customs process ?

 

Being based in Victoria I frequently connect in Vancouver to the US.

 

Your bags should be cleared all the way through.    You do not re-collect them in Vancouver as they are automatically transferred.  

 

You follow signs for International/US transfers.  You will encounter some electronic gates.  You scan you boarding pass or show your connecting boarding pass/booking to the agent.  That lets you into the international terminal area.

 

If your going to the US you keep following the signs and there is an area for passengers connecting to the US.  You show your boarding pass and passport and your in.   

 

US has different screening rules that Canada.  You need to remove your shoes.  So you need to go through security screening again.