I just posted about this yesterday in another thread. In our case, we waited approximately 1.5 hours in the customs line before we saw a customs agent. The following link should bring up my post:
We ended up sprinting to the gate and made it with about 2 minutes to spare. There were at least 3 passengers who did not make it.
Thx so much, I look forward to hearing your update. I went ahead and splurged, buying seats at the front of the plane so we can get off close to first. We aren't even taking carry ons, just small backpacks with a few changes of clothes and the barest necessities so that we can grab from under our seats and run. It's been more than three years since I've travelled. I need a vacation and will do whatever it takes to make that flight.We did this exact flight in May, and are doing it again next week - I'll pop back and update this thread.
In May: US Customs was the big bottle neck. Security was busy, but moved fairly well. We had Business Class seats, but were travelling with someone else in Economy, so we did not take advantage of the expedited line through security, which would have saved us a few minutes at least, and gotten us into the Customs hall sooner, which would have helped.
Only about 1/3 of the Customs booths were staffed, which caused a serious backup in the line. All around me I heard people asking to cut the line because their flights were departing, but security roamed the line and anyone attempting to move up was sent to the back again
My advice: As someone from WPG I know, changing your flights is not an option, so you have to make the best of it. Everyone in your party should use the lav before you land. You don't want to waste time in the washroom. Don't stop for snacks, or shopping - head straight to security, no delays. You can get something to eat on the departures side if there's time.
You might also try to flag your Flight Attendant during the second half of the flight, and let them know you have a tight connection. If there are just a few passengers connecting to MCO on your flight, they might make an announcement and let you off first.
May the odds be ever in our favour
Are you in business class, or at the front of economy?
Front of economy
Ok, that's good. I think there are only 12 seats in business on that flight, so you'll have a great head start!
Ok, here's the report from this a.m.
)Gaaahhhh!!!!! That is very reassuring. Thank you! I have questions lol.... Did you fly WJ or AC? Did you have checked luggage? Did you use the Mobile Passport Control app for US customs?Ok, here's the report from this a.m.
Landed 8:06
Off plane 8:20 (we broke our no washrooms rule as a grande latte, bottle of water and mimosa raced through out systems
Through security 8:34
Through US Customs 8:39
Booked it to gate, here by 8:45 (boarding at 9:35 so enough time to spare).
Much smoother this time, a lot more staff, including 8 of the 11 booths in the Customs hall.
That's great to hear that it went much smoother!Ok, here's the report from this a.m.
Landed 8:06
Off plane 8:20 (we broke our no washrooms rule as a grande latte, bottle of water and mimosa raced through out systems
Through security 8:34
Through US Customs 8:39
Booked it to gate, here by 8:45 (boarding at 9:35 so enough time to spare).
Much smoother this time, a lot more staff, including 8 of the 11 booths in the Customs hall.
WJ.
What day are you flying? We are flying the same flight on Oct 6
fingers crossed all goes well! PS... I did download the us customs app, hopeful that might help. We are flying into Toronto the night before and staying overnight in the airport, so hopeful to start the process maybe 4 hours early around 6:30 am
