CANPASS

[Liftdump]

Is it just me or are any other crews finding the on hold times to get through to Canpass unacceptable? 1+20 today.

[schnitzel2k3]

I was about the same last week. I've been calling day ahead in the evening when I've got enough notice to miss the wait.

Hopefully it improves.

[TeePeeCreeper]

It’s hit and miss.

I had my call almost immediately answered earlier this week but waited 25 mins last week.

No rhyme or reason by the sounds of it.

I second schnitzel2k3, in saying that I usually also try to get the first call done the day before while lounging in the hotel hot tub.

TPC

[hawker driver]

Our company put out a message to all pilots to expect at least an hour wait on hold with Canpass and to call the evening before when you have time to sit for and hour on hold.
Last month on one trip we waited 1+10 the second time it was only 1+00 wait on hold.

I am not sure wife it a labour action or lack of staff.

[JHR]

They took almost two hours to process $16 in taxes. Something fucky is definitely going on there.

[schnitzel2k3]

'Currently wait time is longer than 5 minutes, please stay on the line to keep your place'

1.2 hours later....

[digits_]

Time to all just open the door after 20 minutes and let everyone out?

[TeePeeCreeper]

Time to all just open the door after 20 minutes and let everyone out?

Tempting but that’s a hard NO.

[Liftdump]

Another shitshow last night in Calgary. 1.5 hrs in front of the customs shack. Blood pressure going up by the second Bang on time,apparently Hamilton did not forward the info.Really tired of all the Bullshit excuses,these fucking clowns are pathetic.

[schnitzel2k3]

Another shitshow last night in Calgary. 1.5 hrs in front of the customs shack. Blood pressure going up by the second Bang on time,apparently Hamilton did not forward the info.Really tired of all the Bullshit excuses,these fucking clowns are pathetic.

Dude this is so common you'd think this is business as usual - then they strut out as if to catch you in the act of failing to do your job - 'No officer, I called and provided declarations, pack your ego and give me my f'n clearance.'

Guilty until proven innocent. Always get badge numbers and record time of calls for any new Captains transiting internationally.

It's either that or...
'Officers are clearing another jet...they are enroute to you now.'
'Ok how long will they be?'
'They are on their way, call back in 20 minutes if they don't show'.

20 minutes later
'Officers still aren't here'
'Standby'
5 minutes later
'Officers are still enroute'

10 minutes later
'Officers still aren't here'
'Standby'
Call drops out.

[skyboy]

the music drives me crazy during the online wait

[StandingBy]

After a couple of these experiences (1 hour holding on the aircraft sat phone), and asking an officer what the deal was with the hold times, I was told to use option 3 on the menu. This skips the holding que and gets you on with an officer right away. I was told it’s only for checking in on landing, or for situations like ours where we were in the air and trying to amend our ETA. I’m tempted to try it when making the initial call and playing dumb, just to see what happens. Either way it does work; we’ve done it a few times now.

[schnitzel2k3]

After a couple of these experiences (1 hour holding on the aircraft sat phone), and asking an officer what the deal was with the hold times, I was told to use option 3 on the menu. This skips the holding que and gets you on with an officer right away. I was told it’s only for checking in on landing, or for situations like ours where we were in the air and trying to amend our ETA. I’m tempted to try it when making the initial call and playing dumb, just to see what happens. Either way it does work; we’ve done it a few times now.

I called, I pressed 2, and waited for 45 minutes patiently. Officer accused me of pressing 3 and hung up without any chance for a trial. I don't know how their system identifies number 3s, but it clearly has some faults so who knows.

[hawker driver]

Did anyone find out what is actually going on with them?
Is it some sort of work action?

[schnitzel2k3]

They threatened a while back just as the border opened, and I thought they got all their demands and life moved on.

[StandingBy]

I asked a couple of times, and was told that it was just that I was calling at peak hours, but that didn’t matter before. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was some kind of work-to-rule thing, or staffing issues.

[TeePeeCreeper]

I asked a couple of times, and was told that it was just that I was calling at peak hours, but that didn’t matter before. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was some kind of work-to-rule thing, or staffing issues.

Word on the street is that they have lost over 300 officers due to a refusal to get vaccinated.

I’ve had to call Canpass 4 times this week. 3 out of 4 calls were answered in less than a minute. The last one today took 27 minutes.

Hopefully it doesn’t get any worse!

TPC

[TeePeeCreeper]

Well, I spoke too soon…

I suspect this will become even more problematic from the 28th of Feb forward….

TPC

[Wammer]

Well, I spoke too soon…

I suspect this will become even more problematic from the 28th of Feb forward….

TPC

We had the same thing last night. When we finally go a hold of someone he said that their computer system had crashed so they couldn’t even see our flight details. No idea how he managed to get us a clearance number but wheels down to door open was a little over two hours.

[schnitzel2k3]

Holy...I know Presidents Day in the U.S had massive delays down south out of nearly every south Florida airport.

I think we lucked out calling in the morning - but goodness - 2 hours? Sorry TPC. I feel for ya.

[Roar]

Canada, only country in the world that the PIC has to phone customs before arrival.

I've taken to making my initial call at 3am Hamilton time.

[kilocharliemike]

Canada, only country in the world that the PIC has to phone customs before arrival.

I've taken to making my initial call at 3am Hamilton time.

probably the last to require faxing also...not that they ever receive it though...who still faxes

I enjoy pressing the english option and speaking french and vice versa, gets them all grumpy

[Blueontop]

Wtf is wrong with this agency?? When are they going to totally rehaul this garbage, antiquated system? Who can someone complain too, on hold for 30 mins and counting as I type this and seeing a customs vehicle sitting 100’ from me since I arrived!

[StandingBy]

We arrived in YEG the other day, called in, and were told that an officer was coming to meet us this time. We duly shut down and waited in the aircraft for 20 minutes before calling back to ask what the hold up was. After holding for a while we were told that the officers changed their minds, were given our CANPASS # and told to carry on with our day. Not the first time this has happened….

[Blueontop]

#yourworstCanPasstorygo