EY to offer US pre-clearance at AUH

[RooFlyer]

I'm pretty sure that SYD and possibly MEL meet the minimum passenger requirements to qualify for pre-clearance. So it is possible to heave it here.

Tricky thing would be to get space within the terminals for a 'USA only' emigration area, and bag drop, and then there would have to be a separate, connected gate or gates pier, probably without a lounge.

When I do pre clearance at Calgary, Canada, we are told to be there at least 90 mins before departure (to allow for long queues in the pre clearance process). Imagine the same 'rule' applying here, and pax having to leave the lounges that long before flights! I guess the airlines might band together and have a USA lounge, but I doubt it would be a Flounge.

 

[TomVexille]

Tricky thing would be to get space within the terminals for a 'USA only' emigration area, and bag drop, and then there would have to be a separate, connected gate or gates pier, probably without a lounge.

When I do pre clearance at Calgary, Canada, we are told to be there at least 90 mins before departure (to allow for long queues in the pre clearance process). Imagine the same 'rule' applying here, and pax having to leave the lounges that long before flights! I guess the airlines might band together and have a USA lounge, but I doubt it would be a Flounge.

It would definitely be a trade off. I believe in Vancouver, AC has a Trans-Border lounge past US pre-clearance, so it is possible, but probably not worth it in SYD and MEL as the space required is most likely too much for the limited number of flights to the US.

 

[markis10]

I guess the airlines might band together and have a USA lounge, but I doubt it would be a Flounge.

I cannot see them spending the money on either a lounge or such a facility locally in Australia. In Sydney there is always the old QF lounge I suppose.

 

[serfty]

It would definitely be a trade off. I believe in Vancouver, AC has a Trans-Border lounge past US pre-clearance, so it is possible, but probably not worth it in SYD and MEL as the space required is most likely too much for the limited number of flights to the US.

It's possible they could do it at SYD.

For the Qantas flights they already basically make the pier extension to gates 8 and 10 a USA only area due to the special security in place for US bound flights. Of course to be viable, consideration is needed for the UA, DL & VA flights as well.

 

[TomVexille]

It's possible they could do it at SYD.

For the Qantas flights they already basically make the pier extension to gates 8 and 10 a USA only area due to the special security in place for US bound flights. Of course to be viable, consideration is needed for the UA, DL & VA flights as well.

And with UA and DL (and maybe VA?) operating from the other end of the terminal, it wouldn't be ideal. However, still better than CPB at LAX.

 

[erkpod]

It would be nice if on arrival in the US if we were placed on the US citizens side of the immigration hall & not lumped in with people from Mexico, South America, the Middle East, Asia & Africa.

I have been sent to the US side during long queues at LAX (both TBIT & T5) & it is quicker. After all, we allow Americans to join us now on the Australian side (at SYD, at least).

It's a lot cheaper than building more lounges in Australia & would be of more benefit at the other end especially after a long flight, connections etc.

 

[TomVexille]

It would be nice if on arrival in the US if we were placed on the US citizens side of the immigration hall & not lumped in with people from Mexico, South America, the Middle East, Asia & Africa.

I have been sent to the US side during long queues at LAX (both TBIT & T5) & it is quicker. After all, we allow Americans to join us now on the Australian side (at SYD, at least).

It's a lot cheaper than building more lounges in Australia & would be of more benefit at the other end especially after a long flight, connections etc.

Sorry, but I don't need you clogging up my queue

 

[erkpod]

Sorry, but I don't need you clogging up my queue

There's worse people in your queue than me!

 

[TomVexille]

There's worse people in your queue than me!

I don't disagree. But I'd still rather have a US citizens only side. I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from though.

 

[erkpod]

I don't disagree. But I'd still rather have a US citizens only side. I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from though.

If it's busy keep it as it is but if the everyone else lines are busy & the US side isn't, why not divert some to the US side?

Sure, the home country citizens should have some preference & shouldn't need as much screening.

 

[TomVexille]

If it's busy keep it as it is but if the everyone else lines are busy & the US side isn't, why not divert some to the US side?

Sure, the home country citizens should have some preference & shouldn't need as much screening.

I have no issue once the home country citizens have all proceeded into the line.

 

[serfty]

If it's busy keep it as it is but if the everyone else lines are busy & the US side isn't, why not divert some to the US side?
...

WHo says this is not done?

I have seen it happen several times at LAX, sometimes to my benefit.

 

[erkpod]

WHo says this is not done?

I have seen it happen several times at LAX, sometimes to my benefit.

It could happen a lot more than it does. It did happen to me on my last 2 flights into LAX.