Hey y'all,
Well I made it to my new home and let me tell you, I'm still frustrated from the whole experience. I left my house at 7:45am and made it to Toronto airport by 8:15am. I ended up going into the wrong line to check in. After hearing about the computer problem with AirCanada, I was hoping that things wouldn't be so bad. Well, it was the worst I have ever seen and heard. The line up to check in was about a mile long or longer. There must have been about 3000 or more people lined up for US departures. Its funny though, at Pearson, they only have 16 counters to check in for US departures, but they must have at least 60 or more other computers they could have used. Anyways, I found my way to the end of the line and was standing there for hours. In a time of crisis, there really are good people that will help you. I met a few people standing in line that would watch my bags so I could use the bathroom with my son and the 1 time I went to go have a smoke. AirCanada didn't have their people going around letting people know what was going on. All they did was take the people out of the line that were going to Florida to catch their cruise. I guess people taking a cruise were most important. By the time I could see the maze line up(near the counter) one of the people I had met said she heard someone else talking about calling AirCanada and making a reservation for another flight. By this time, it was already 2pm, I missed my flight that left at 1:15pm and I had already been standing in line with a 4 year old 6 hours. So she took my passports, I stood in line for us and she went to get us another flight. Not knowing she got the last seat for the 5:30 departure, I got stuck with the 8:45pm departure. I was on stand-by though for the earlier one. I finally checked in at 3:30pm, then went on through to US Customs. I grabbed my I-94(2 of them) and was so excited to go through the line for US Citizens/Visa Holders line lol. I told the gentleman that I was activating my K-1 Visa and he was really nice, took my picture and fingerprints and asked me to go to secondary. I walked in there, handed in my stuff and sat down for a whole 3 minutes and was asked to go up to the counter. The officer there asked me when I was getting married and I told him Tuesday. He asked me about the wedding and I said we were just going to go to the court house and thats when he went on about how he doesnt understand why people spend thousands of $ on weddings. Then he sent me on my way. I dropped off my checked bags and went on to security. I removed what needed to be out of my bags, including my digital camera(which I found odd), then went to get lunch. I got to the gate for the 5:30 departure and found out that no one had cancelled their reservations, so I was stuck waiting to leave for 8:45. By this time I was so mad, tired and needed a smoke badly. I found another woman there who was in the line with me since 8am and we talked for awhile. I found out she was going to Atlanta to meet a guy she met online for the 1st time, so thats when I went on about VJ lol. Anyways, I got in at 10:45 and was relieved to know that I was never going to have to do this again lol. We got home at midnight. I think I left a few things out, but I think I made this long enough. I'm just glad to be home now.
Mary
Full Version: POE FROM HELL!!!!!
Oh wow, so sorry for the long delay at Pearson. Glad its over for you now, at least the first step. Put it all behind you and be happy for your wedding on Tues. 
*big hugs* Glad you made it through okay! Now get ready for your big wedding on Tuesday. 
Happy you made it here safely and have a wonderful wedding!!
Wow, long day 
Congrats on you upcoming wedding 
Congrats on you upcoming wedding
Congrats on your arrival ...finally....it's sad that you had to go through all that rigamoroll with Air Canada.
I haven't seen anyone who has entered at Sault Ste Marie, ON / Sault Ste Marie MI. Maybe I'll be the first, when my turn comes....probably the new year now.
I haven't seen anyone who has entered at Sault Ste Marie, ON / Sault Ste Marie MI. Maybe I'll be the first, when my turn comes....probably the new year now.
Bless your heart hon! Glad it's over for you though. The one and only time (so far) that I've flown through Pearson it was horrible too and this was in 2006. Almost missed the connecting flight, and I had my then six year old with me and we were flying Air Canada as well. It was unbelievable! I'm diabetic and asthmatic (great combo when you're in a LONG line AND stressed out!) Once we got to the departure gate, I barely had time to go to the bathroom and catch my breath (which by that time I was in desperate need of - thank god for emergency inhalers!) when they called our flight. As bad as I hated leaving my then fiancé (it was the last time thank god!) I was so glad to get home.
We've been looking at flights to fly home hopefully next spring. The cheapest thing I've been able to find is Air Canada....connecting in Toronto. SIGH.
We've been looking at flights to fly home hopefully next spring. The cheapest thing I've been able to find is Air Canada....connecting in Toronto. SIGH.
Awww...
I'm glad you are home!!!
Wow, what a day you had. I really liked the ending though when you met that woman who was meeting a guy from online for the first time....super cool. It's like, beginning and end sitting side by side.
Best of luck hon
I'm glad you are home!!!
Wow, what a day you had. I really liked the ending though when you met that woman who was meeting a guy from online for the first time....super cool. It's like, beginning and end sitting side by side.
Best of luck hon
welcome to the usa
Glad you made it
Welcome 'home', Mary - I was wondering if you were caught up with that Air Canada fiasco and was hoping you were booked on another airline. I am so sorry you were caught up in that mess and that you had to endure such an incredibly long and difficult wait. It is bad enough on your own, but even harder with a young child. Well, you are here now and can relax and enjoy yourselves:-).
Tuesday is supposed to be nice and sunny - I hope it is a wonderful day for the three of you as you start your wonderful new life together! (Joe and I will be braving Hartsfield-Jackson airport that day on our Thanksgiving trip to Houston but I will be thinking of you).
Tuesday is supposed to be nice and sunny - I hope it is a wonderful day for the three of you as you start your wonderful new life together! (Joe and I will be braving Hartsfield-Jackson airport that day on our Thanksgiving trip to Houston but I will be thinking of you).
Air Canada is not all that bad if you know what to expect from them... which isn't much!
I didn't have any problems with them when I flew to Montreal... but that's because I was expecting delays and problems.
I didn't have any problems with them when I flew to Montreal... but that's because I was expecting delays and problems.
Sorry the POE sucked!! This past summer flying into vancouver we had a POE from hell as well, not as bad as urs though!! Flights had been delayed all day, and they all seemed to arrive in Van at the same time, thus it was a huge line awaiting canada Customs!! The joys of travelling. Heading back to Stoon this Xmas,not looking fwd to the airports!
QUOTE(PfcsBaby @ Nov 18 2007, 11:48 AM) 
Hey y'all,
Well I made it to my new home and let me tell you, I'm still frustrated from the whole experience. I left my house at 7:45am and made it to Toronto airport by 8:15am. I ended up going into the wrong line to check in. After hearing about the computer problem with AirCanada, I was hoping that things wouldn't be so bad. Well, it was the worst I have ever seen and heard. The line up to check in was about a mile long or longer. There must have been about 3000 or more people lined up for US departures. Its funny though, at Pearson, they only have 16 counters to check in for US departures, but they must have at least 60 or more other computers they could have used. Anyways, I found my way to the end of the line and was standing there for hours. In a time of crisis, there really are good people that will help you. I met a few people standing in line that would watch my bags so I could use the bathroom with my son and the 1 time I went to go have a smoke. AirCanada didn't have their people going around letting people know what was going on. All they did was take the people out of the line that were going to Florida to catch their cruise. I guess people taking a cruise were most important. By the time I could see the maze line up(near the counter) one of the people I had met said she heard someone else talking about calling AirCanada and making a reservation for another flight. By this time, it was already 2pm, I missed my flight that left at 1:15pm and I had already been standing in line with a 4 year old 6 hours. So she took my passports, I stood in line for us and she went to get us another flight. Not knowing she got the last seat for the 5:30 departure, I got stuck with the 8:45pm departure. I was on stand-by though for the earlier one. I finally checked in at 3:30pm, then went on through to US Customs. I grabbed my I-94(2 of them) and was so excited to go through the line for US Citizens/Visa Holders line lol. I told the gentleman that I was activating my K-1 Visa and he was really nice, took my picture and fingerprints and asked me to go to secondary. I walked in there, handed in my stuff and sat down for a whole 3 minutes and was asked to go up to the counter. The officer there asked me when I was getting married and I told him Tuesday. He asked me about the wedding and I said we were just going to go to the court house and thats when he went on about how he doesnt understand why people spend thousands of $ on weddings. Then he sent me on my way. I dropped off my checked bags and went on to security. I removed what needed to be out of my bags, including my digital camera(which I found odd), then went to get lunch. I got to the gate for the 5:30 departure and found out that no one had cancelled their reservations, so I was stuck waiting to leave for 8:45. By this time I was so mad, tired and needed a smoke badly. I found another woman there who was in the line with me since 8am and we talked for awhile. I found out she was going to Atlanta to meet a guy she met online for the 1st time, so thats when I went on about VJ lol. Anyways, I got in at 10:45 and was relieved to know that I was never going to have to do this again lol. We got home at midnight. I think I left a few things out, but I think I made this long enough. I'm just glad to be home now.
Mary
Well I made it to my new home and let me tell you, I'm still frustrated from the whole experience. I left my house at 7:45am and made it to Toronto airport by 8:15am. I ended up going into the wrong line to check in. After hearing about the computer problem with AirCanada, I was hoping that things wouldn't be so bad. Well, it was the worst I have ever seen and heard. The line up to check in was about a mile long or longer. There must have been about 3000 or more people lined up for US departures. Its funny though, at Pearson, they only have 16 counters to check in for US departures, but they must have at least 60 or more other computers they could have used. Anyways, I found my way to the end of the line and was standing there for hours. In a time of crisis, there really are good people that will help you. I met a few people standing in line that would watch my bags so I could use the bathroom with my son and the 1 time I went to go have a smoke. AirCanada didn't have their people going around letting people know what was going on. All they did was take the people out of the line that were going to Florida to catch their cruise. I guess people taking a cruise were most important. By the time I could see the maze line up(near the counter) one of the people I had met said she heard someone else talking about calling AirCanada and making a reservation for another flight. By this time, it was already 2pm, I missed my flight that left at 1:15pm and I had already been standing in line with a 4 year old 6 hours. So she took my passports, I stood in line for us and she went to get us another flight. Not knowing she got the last seat for the 5:30 departure, I got stuck with the 8:45pm departure. I was on stand-by though for the earlier one. I finally checked in at 3:30pm, then went on through to US Customs. I grabbed my I-94(2 of them) and was so excited to go through the line for US Citizens/Visa Holders line lol. I told the gentleman that I was activating my K-1 Visa and he was really nice, took my picture and fingerprints and asked me to go to secondary. I walked in there, handed in my stuff and sat down for a whole 3 minutes and was asked to go up to the counter. The officer there asked me when I was getting married and I told him Tuesday. He asked me about the wedding and I said we were just going to go to the court house and thats when he went on about how he doesnt understand why people spend thousands of $ on weddings. Then he sent me on my way. I dropped off my checked bags and went on to security. I removed what needed to be out of my bags, including my digital camera(which I found odd), then went to get lunch. I got to the gate for the 5:30 departure and found out that no one had cancelled their reservations, so I was stuck waiting to leave for 8:45. By this time I was so mad, tired and needed a smoke badly. I found another woman there who was in the line with me since 8am and we talked for awhile. I found out she was going to Atlanta to meet a guy she met online for the 1st time, so thats when I went on about VJ lol. Anyways, I got in at 10:45 and was relieved to know that I was never going to have to do this again lol. We got home at midnight. I think I left a few things out, but I think I made this long enough. I'm just glad to be home now.
Mary
Sorry about the mess at Toronto.......glad you made it.
Dale
QUOTE(TennCAN @ Nov 19 2007, 07:23 AM)
QUOTE(PfcsBaby @ Nov 18 2007, 11:48 AM)
Hey y'all,
Well I made it to my new home and let me tell you, I'm still frustrated from the whole experience. I left my house at 7:45am and made it to Toronto airport by 8:15am. I ended up going into the wrong line to check in. After hearing about the computer problem with AirCanada, I was hoping that things wouldn't be so bad. Well, it was the worst I have ever seen and heard. The line up to check in was about a mile long or longer. There must have been about 3000 or more people lined up for US departures. Its funny though, at Pearson, they only have 16 counters to check in for US departures, but they must have at least 60 or more other computers they could have used. Anyways, I found my way to the end of the line and was standing there for hours. In a time of crisis, there really are good people that will help you. I met a few people standing in line that would watch my bags so I could use the bathroom with my son and the 1 time I went to go have a smoke. AirCanada didn't have their people going around letting people know what was going on. All they did was take the people out of the line that were going to Florida to catch their cruise. I guess people taking a cruise were most important. By the time I could see the maze line up(near the counter) one of the people I had met said she heard someone else talking about calling AirCanada and making a reservation for another flight. By this time, it was already 2pm, I missed my flight that left at 1:15pm and I had already been standing in line with a 4 year old 6 hours. So she took my passports, I stood in line for us and she went to get us another flight. Not knowing she got the last seat for the 5:30 departure, I got stuck with the 8:45pm departure. I was on stand-by though for the earlier one. I finally checked in at 3:30pm, then went on through to US Customs. I grabbed my I-94(2 of them) and was so excited to go through the line for US Citizens/Visa Holders line lol. I told the gentleman that I was activating my K-1 Visa and he was really nice, took my picture and fingerprints and asked me to go to secondary. I walked in there, handed in my stuff and sat down for a whole 3 minutes and was asked to go up to the counter. The officer there asked me when I was getting married and I told him Tuesday. He asked me about the wedding and I said we were just going to go to the court house and thats when he went on about how he doesnt understand why people spend thousands of $ on weddings. Then he sent me on my way. I dropped off my checked bags and went on to security. I removed what needed to be out of my bags, including my digital camera(which I found odd), then went to get lunch. I got to the gate for the 5:30 departure and found out that no one had cancelled their reservations, so I was stuck waiting to leave for 8:45. By this time I was so mad, tired and needed a smoke badly. I found another woman there who was in the line with me since 8am and we talked for awhile. I found out she was going to Atlanta to meet a guy she met online for the 1st time, so thats when I went on about VJ lol. Anyways, I got in at 10:45 and was relieved to know that I was never going to have to do this again lol. We got home at midnight. I think I left a few things out, but I think I made this long enough. I'm just glad to be home now.
Mary
Well I made it to my new home and let me tell you, I'm still frustrated from the whole experience. I left my house at 7:45am and made it to Toronto airport by 8:15am. I ended up going into the wrong line to check in. After hearing about the computer problem with AirCanada, I was hoping that things wouldn't be so bad. Well, it was the worst I have ever seen and heard. The line up to check in was about a mile long or longer. There must have been about 3000 or more people lined up for US departures. Its funny though, at Pearson, they only have 16 counters to check in for US departures, but they must have at least 60 or more other computers they could have used. Anyways, I found my way to the end of the line and was standing there for hours. In a time of crisis, there really are good people that will help you. I met a few people standing in line that would watch my bags so I could use the bathroom with my son and the 1 time I went to go have a smoke. AirCanada didn't have their people going around letting people know what was going on. All they did was take the people out of the line that were going to Florida to catch their cruise. I guess people taking a cruise were most important. By the time I could see the maze line up(near the counter) one of the people I had met said she heard someone else talking about calling AirCanada and making a reservation for another flight. By this time, it was already 2pm, I missed my flight that left at 1:15pm and I had already been standing in line with a 4 year old 6 hours. So she took my passports, I stood in line for us and she went to get us another flight. Not knowing she got the last seat for the 5:30 departure, I got stuck with the 8:45pm departure. I was on stand-by though for the earlier one. I finally checked in at 3:30pm, then went on through to US Customs. I grabbed my I-94(2 of them) and was so excited to go through the line for US Citizens/Visa Holders line lol. I told the gentleman that I was activating my K-1 Visa and he was really nice, took my picture and fingerprints and asked me to go to secondary. I walked in there, handed in my stuff and sat down for a whole 3 minutes and was asked to go up to the counter. The officer there asked me when I was getting married and I told him Tuesday. He asked me about the wedding and I said we were just going to go to the court house and thats when he went on about how he doesnt understand why people spend thousands of $ on weddings. Then he sent me on my way. I dropped off my checked bags and went on to security. I removed what needed to be out of my bags, including my digital camera(which I found odd), then went to get lunch. I got to the gate for the 5:30 departure and found out that no one had cancelled their reservations, so I was stuck waiting to leave for 8:45. By this time I was so mad, tired and needed a smoke badly. I found another woman there who was in the line with me since 8am and we talked for awhile. I found out she was going to Atlanta to meet a guy she met online for the 1st time, so thats when I went on about VJ lol. Anyways, I got in at 10:45 and was relieved to know that I was never going to have to do this again lol. We got home at midnight. I think I left a few things out, but I think I made this long enough. I'm just glad to be home now.
Mary
Sorry about the mess at Toronto.......glad you made it.
Dale
wow what a day sure am glad I didnt have to travel by plain , glad you made it now time to sit back and enjoy your wedding , congrats and welcome home
Obviously POE was point of EXIT in this case, not point of Entry!!....lol
Hope you have a fantastic day tomorrow!!!!!
Wow- that sucks you had to go through all that.
I'm glad you are home now!!
I'm glad you are home now!!
Wow, so sorry for your HORRIBLE day! Yikes! Glad you're home and safe now.
Carla
Carla
Ye Gods. What a nightmare! Have a wonderful wedding tomorrow, Mary! We'll be thinking of you.
I was amazed at the chaos at YYZ (Pearson) when I flew out of there in 2004 from a Rush convention. When we got through check in (an event in and of itself) and saw the massive line at customs, I said to my friend, 'Yep, we'll miss our flight.' Luckily, the line moved quicker than we thought it would, but we still had to walk to our gate quite swiftly, and got there just in time for boarding.
You'd think for a major airport and a pre-clearance point into the US, it'd be a tad less chaotic. But sometimes my logical thinking doesn't always work.
You'd think for a major airport and a pre-clearance point into the US, it'd be a tad less chaotic. But sometimes my logical thinking doesn't always work.
hi,
yea somethings have to happen and they do happen... just worried for ur son.. when you are with kids.. things become tooo difficult
Jigi
yea somethings have to happen and they do happen... just worried for ur son.. when you are with kids.. things become tooo difficult
Jigi
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