I love to go places but always dread the long flights taking me there. My frequent trips to Europe often take me via London Heathrow or Toronto Pearson International airports, involving stressful transfers.
Even thinking about it gives me the chills. You can choose other routes and miss out on the two giant airports, but most probably the trip will cost you lots more. Myself I hate to waste extra money on flights and rather put up with the stress
Comfort in flying is hard to find these days unless you fly business class. If you’re like me and you count economy class as your only option, you will be cramped into a narrow seat with no leg space for seven plus hours across the Atlantic ocean to Toronto, or more than nine hours if you fly to Vancouver.
Shopping around for a cheap flight to Canada, you will most probably have to decide between flying with British Airways and Air Canada. Which one should you choose?
Regarding flying comfort and services there are no big differences between the two airlines. If you arrive in Canada and don’t need a connecting flight, either of the two airlines will be fine. Should you need a connecting flight from Toronto, Vancouver or another big city, the inland flight most probably will be with Air Canada as well. If this is the case, to fly the whole trip with Air Canada makes travelling easier.
Actually, I only found this out during my recent trip to Switzerland when I flew Air Canada all the way. It was a most relaxing trip without the usual travel stress.
You’ll receive a Declaration Card while you’re on board on the way to Canada, and must complete it prior to arrival.
On the Declaration Card, you fill in your information, your travels and what you bring into the country. Instructions on how to complete the card are attached.
Once the Declaration Card is filled out, detach and discard the instructions. Do not fold the card, keep the card ready along with your travel documents. You will be asked to show the card several times once you get off the plane.
If you are connecting and travelling on to another destination, follow the signs. Depending on the airport where you arrive, you may have to have your baggage checked and screened before re-boarding. This used to be a normal procedure at the first airport of arrival in Canada. but wasn’t required during my recent trip. Airport rules change constantly.
It’s less stressful if you have plenty of time between connecting flights. If your flight is delayed, the connecting flight personnel will be informed and they will try to get you on board before departing.
Should you miss the connection because of a delayed flight or mechanical problems, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight. If your connecting flight is with the same airline and you get stuck, they may offer you compensation for meals or accommodation. Those arrangements are voluntary with the airline.
Upon arrival, follow the signs to the Primary Inspection area. A border services officer will examine your Declaration Card, identification, and other travel documents.
When you are directed to a booth, you may be asked a series of questions to determine your Immigration status, the nature of any goods you are bringing with you, your duty-free allowance and personal exemption entitlements.
Also, if you have anything to declare, including purchases and food products of any kind, make sure to inform the officer.
Goods not properly declared that are restricted or prohibited in Canada can, under the law, be subject to seizure.
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I’m not in any way associated with Air Canada and don’t get paid for this article.
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Yrene lives in the Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada, and is the founder of BackcountryCanadaTravel.com. She was born in Switzerland, lived and worked on different continents and has travelled the world. Yes, that's me, an Entrepreneur, wilderness nut and animal lover who prefers off-the-beaten-track places. I write about things I love. Mostely.
4 Comments
Ines Stone
Great Travel Tips!
Yrene Dee
Hello Ines, I’m happy to know that you find my information useful. That keeps me inspired!
Christoph
Thanks for this article ? we flow to calgary with british airways via heathrow, also a good airline, good service and friendly staff?
Yrene Dee
Thanks Christoph for the input. I have nothing against British Airways, I flew with them many times. It’s just when I have a connecting inland flight with Air Canada, I was better off flying with them all the way.