Leaving Canada- Attempt One

December 27th 2009

And we're back to heightened security again, and to be honest it feels like the most security there's ever been.

Fueled by the Christmas Day incident on board a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Detroit in which a man tried to detonate an explosive device, the US has implemented new procedures on board all US bound flights. Security officials appeared to be unsure exactly what rules are now in place, suggesting at one point that no wheelie suitcase were permitted, leaving to a mass check-in of cabin sized suitcases. Despite the pressures on staff and passengers, everyone appeared to be in good spirits and willing to co-operate.

When I arrived into Pearson Airport in Toronto from my London Ontario flight everything seemed relatively ok, but as I headed for the US connection centre in Terminal 1 I saw masses of people queuing for check-in and security screening. It's quite possible there were thousands of people waiting. As I was connecting I seemed to avoid a lot of the queue but nontheless the whole connection procedure took over 3 hours of queuing. I spoke to other people who, beginning their journey in Toronto, had spent up to 6 hours checking in and doing security. As a result almost every flight on the board was either delayed or cancelled. Every single passenger was patted down, hair inspected, laptops checked for explosives traces on the spot, shoes and coats off, feet checked, one carry-on bag only.... etc.

When eventually I got out the far side of security (and technically was now in the US again) my flight was cancelled and I swore I'd never fly again. So I had to get on the phone to Air Canada to rebook. I was booked onto a flight tomorrow as every other seat was gone, but I could try to get on a flight tonight on standby. That seemed like a good idea so I went to add my name to standby lists, only to find out that in order to do that I would need to go out, collect my bag and come back through security (another 3-6 hours???).... So I certainly wasn't going for that plan! So instead I was able to opt for hotel and dinner option.

As I turns out that was a good plan... the Hilton is not bad... and I had a nice dinner and I'm now feeling the love of John and June in 'Walk the Line'. So the day has ended not so bad after all!