Crossing the border in a private plane
With the winter around the corner, are you yearning to venture south?
This photo was taken in the summer of 2017, shortly after I earned my IFR rating.
Our little family, with Charlotte nearly a year old, took a weekend trip to Portland in our Cessna Cardinal, a four-seater. By chance, it was parked next to this stunning aircraft. (Was it a sign?)
To fly to the USA from Canada and back is not complicated and can be done without the recommended 3 hour pre-departure check-in and security process.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) recommends arriving at least three hours before an international flight. The check-in and security process for international travel can be more time consuming than domestic travel. Read more
Here’s an abbreviated description of the process and what is needed to smoothly travel to the USA in a private airplane.
Prerequisites to travel to the USA:
Passport only (Nexus card is not required and there is no advantage as there are no lengthy security and customs line ups).
The process to cross the border is simple. As passengers, you just need to show up with your passport. The crew will take care of the steps listed below.
Southbound to the USA
Submit an arrival eAPIS (Electronic Advance Passenger Information System) declaration.
Call U.S. Customs at the designated Airport of Entry (AOE).
Land at your destination AOE and remain on board until the customs officer arrives. If all passengers are Canadian, the process often concludes right on the plane with a quick passport check.
Northbound to Canada
Submit a departure eAPIS.
Call Canpass for pre-arrival notification and declaration.
Land at your Canadian AOE and contact Canpass. Occasionally, a customs officer may meet you at the plane for an inspection.
Why fly privately with AEROSHARES?
Flying privately isn’t just convenient—it’s a major time-saver. Here’s how:
No early check-ins or long waits: Unlike the Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) recommendation of arriving three hours before a U.S.-bound flight, private travelers skip security lines and passport control.
Streamlined paperwork: The AeroShares team handles all customs-related documentation in advance, ensuring a smooth process upon arrival.
Comfortable waits: If there’s a delay, you’ll spend it relaxing or working comfortably aboard the aircraft, not in crowded airport lounges.
A Personal Note on the Experience
During our Portland trip, my Belgian passport led to an unexpected adventure. U.S. Customs required additional processing, including pictures and fingerprints, but it was a smooth resolution. While my wife and daughter waited comfortably in the FBO lounge, I had an enlightening conversation with a fellow traveler from Thailand, Bill Heinecke—a successful entrepreneur and author. His book became a cherished memento of the trip.
Flying privately eliminates many of the common headaches associated with international travel. Whether you’re heading south for the winter or planning your next business trip, AeroShares makes border crossings a breeze.
Ready to enjoy the ultimate travel convenience? Let’s plan your next flight!
Got Questions?
Can we depart from a Canadian regional airport or grass field and cross the border to the USA?
Can we land at any Canadian airport or airstrip when returning from the USA?
Any other questions? Contact us! We will get back to you as soon as possible.
In the end, when traveling to the USA privately, the Aeroshares team is here to do all the work and the only thing that is left for you is to show up with your passport and enjoy the trip!