What do I need to cross the US/Canada border?

With a handful of very limited exceptions, ALL travelers — regardless of age or citizenship — flying between the United States and Canada in either direction now require a passport. And “passport” in this context, means a passport booklet, not a so-called “passport card” or “enhanced driver’s license”; these documents are not valid for air travel.

Washington and some other states are issuing “enhanced driver’s license.” Isn’t that as good as a passport?

No, not for airline passengers. Air travelers are being held to a higher standard than those using any other mode of transportation. Enhanced driver’s licenses will meet identification and citizenship requirements at land and sea border crossing but will not be acceptable for air travel.

What about a Nexus Card?

Although NEXUS cards are acceptable in lieu of a passport at some international airports, none of the ports of entry used by Kenmore Air is equipped to accept NEXUS cards.

Your Customer Service Agent sure asked a lot of questions. What’s up with that?

Along with all airlines operating cross-border flights, Kenmore Air is subject to a set of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations known collectively as the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). APIS requires that prior to boarding any international flight, Kenmore Air transmit to CBP and receive a positive vetting response from CBP for the identity and citizenship information of every passenger and crew member aboard the flight. This information consists of full legal name (including middle name) as it appears on your passport, date of birth, citizenship, country of residence, passport number and expiration date, and passport country of issue. In addition, for non-U.S. citizens entering the United States, additional information on “person status” is required — specifically, where the passengers are staying in the United States or connecting flight information if they are in transit to another country through the United States.
The need for Kenmore Air to get CBP’s OK on all transmitted passenger information before boarding international flights and the potential for flight delay if any of the transmitted information is missing or inaccurate are the reasons for Kenmore Air’s 45-minute check-in requirement for international flights. This time is required to enable CBP to respond to any last-minute changes to our flight manifests, such as no-show passengers. Without extending our check-in time, we would have inadequate time to meet CBP’s reporting and vetting requirements, with the potential that flight departures could be significantly delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

What if I’m a US citizen stuck in Canada without a passport and need to get home urgently?

Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to current passport requirements for emergencies. You simply cannot fly into the United States without a passport. You will need to contact the nearest US consulate for assistance.

I’m not a US or Canadian citizen. Do I need a visa as well as a passport?

A passport will be required unless you’re traveling under very special circumstances. Visa requirements are sometimes complicated and are beyond the scope of what Kenmore Air can offer concrete advice on. Each passenger is responsible for determining the immigration requirements applicable to their situation and for taking the necessary steps to meet those requirements. Contact the nearest US or Canadian consular facility in your home country for more details. Please review ETA & EsTA requirements as well.

Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization – passports are required to obtain an ETA
US Electronic System for Travel Authorization

The US Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program permits visa-less entry into the United States for citizens of 36 countries, subject to certain requirements. The most important of these is that citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries apply for and receive authorization to enter the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA.

What is ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is the system by which citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can lawfully enter the United States without a visa. Application for entry through ESTA is easy and free of charge. It can be completed as long as two years or as soon as a couple hours prior to travel, through it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours prior to travel. ESTA is not required of or available to US or Canadian citizens, citizens of countries that are not in the Visa Waiver Program, or citizens of any country who are traveling on a visa. For complete ESTA details, click here.

What is eTA?

New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. For complete eTA details, click here.

What about the kids?

Children, regardless of age, are subject to the same passport requirement as adults.
Canadian Customs & Border Services requires additional documentation for any minor children entering Canada without both parents or legal guardians. The purpose of this documentation is to insure the safety of children and to enable Canadian authorities to contact absent parents or guardians regarding their children should such a need arise. Such children must carry a letter of permission from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) not traveling with them. This letter should specify the dates, the itinerary and the accompanying parent or guardian for which and with which the child has permission to travel, as well as contact phone numbers for the absent parent(s) or guardian(s). Additionally, divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal documents establishing their status. If you and your spouse or partner are both traveling with your children, you will not need additional documentation to enter Canada. However, you are nevertheless encouraged to carry a letter of permission with you in case your travel plans change.

Past legal troubles?

There are certain crimes that are considered misdemeanors in the United States but felonies in Canada. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one example. If you have been convicted of any of such crimes, you can be denied entry into Canada. More detailed information on the Canadian “criminal inadmissibility” law, as well as procedures for overcoming past convictions, can be found here.

What about pets?

Pets can be flown across the US/Canada border, with some restrictions and some extra paperwork. For US regulations, click here, and for Canadian policies, click here.
Also, please be aware that if your pets weigh 25 pounds (11kg) or more, you will need to buy dedicated seats for them at the time you book your own flight. Depending on destination, these seats may have a reduced Pet Space fare or may be billed at standard adult fare.

How about firearms?

Like pets, guns can be carried across the border, with restrictions. Regulations for bringing firearms into the United States can be found here.
Additionally, regardless of which border you are crossing, Kenmore Air requires all passengers carrying firearms to complete a Firearms Declaration prior to tendering baggage or boarding an aircraft. Kenmore Air reserves the right to inspect firearms prior to boarding to insure that they are safely configured for flight. If you intend to travel on Kenmore Air with a firearm, please discuss this with a customer service agent at the time you make your booking to insure that you are informed of all applicable policies and procedures.

What if I am denied entry?

This FAQ is designed to address the most common questions regarding international travel between the United States and Canada. Ultimately, however, it is each passenger’s responsibility to insure that he or she is in compliance with all applicable regulations for the country he or she is entering. In the event that you are denied entry into the United States or Canada for any reason, you are liable for the cost of your return flight to the country of origin. Kenmore Air cannot be liable for any expenses or inconveniences arising from denied or delayed entry.

How do I get a passport?

US passports are issued by the Department of State. First-time passport applications must be made in person at a designated “passport acceptance facility” — often a post office, Federal or state court, or government office. Most passport renewals do not require in-person application but can be processed by mail. Complete instructions for obtaining a first-time passport or renewing an existing one can be found online.
Standard turnaround time on a typical passport application is six weeks. For an additional expedited service fee, this period can be reduced to two weeks. If a passport is needed urgently for specifically planned travel less than two weeks in the future, an applicant can make an appointment to visit a Passport Agency, where passports can be issued as quickly as same-day. There is a further fee associated with this service, and applicants can visit a Passport Agency by appointment only. A list of the 15 national Passport Agencies with addresses and contact info can be found here. Appointments to any of these Passport Agencies can be made by calling toll-free 877.487.2778. The Seattle Passport Agency, the only one in the Northwest, is located in the Henry Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 992, in downtown Seattle. Its hours are 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Various companies offer expedited passport application services for a fee. According to the Department of State, such companies cannot actually deliver a passport to you any quicker than the various expedited services offered by the government itself. Kenmore Air thus does not recommend the use of a commercial passport expediter.
Information on obtaining a Canadian passport can be found on the website here.

March 10, 2023/by Chris Holcomb

Weather Impacted Flights – Delayed Flights

TRAVEL INFO

Travel Info – Weather Impacted Flights – Delayed Flights

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION

All travelers — regardless of age or citizenship — flying between the United States and Canada in either direction are required to present a current, valid passport book.

What do I need to cross the US/Canada border?

Washington and some other states are issuing “enhanced driver’s license.” Isn’t that as good as a passport?

What about a Nexus Card?

Although NEXUS cards are acceptable in lieu of a passport at some international airports, none of the ports of entry used by Kenmore Air is equipped to accept NEXUS cards.

Your Customer Service Agent sure asked a lot of questions. What’s up with that?

What if I’m a US citizen stuck in Canada without a passport and need to get home urgently?

I’m not a US or Canadian citizen. Do I need a visa as well as a passport?

Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization – passports are required to obtain an ETA
US Electronic System for Travel Authorization

What is ESTA?

What is eTA?

What about the kids?

Past legal troubles?

What about pets?

How about firearms?

What if I am denied entry?

How do I get a passport?

March 7, 2023/by Chris Holcomb

FAQ

TRAVEL INFO

Travel Info – FAQ

CHECK-IN INFORMATION

International flights require check-in at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. See International Travel.
Domestic flights require check-in at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
Seats for passengers who have not checked in by flight closure time may be released.
In order to maintain an on-schedule operation, aircraft may depart prior to scheduled departure time (after flight closure).
For flights departing from un-staffed locations (i.e., floatplane docks in the San Juan Islands or British Columbia, excluding Victoria), passengers are required to be at our designated pick-up location 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time to accommodate unforeseeable variations in flight time.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

A Passport Book is required for all passengers on international routes, including lap infants. See International Travel.
Government-issued photo ID is required for adult passengers on domestic routes. Proof of age is required for Lap Infants on domestic routes.

FLOATPLANE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Floatplane passengers are limited to 25 lbs. (11kg) total baggage weight per person, regardless of the number of bags.
All items are weighed and count toward the allowance — including hand-carry items such as purses, laptops, backpacks, etc.
No single item may exceed 50 linear inches (127cm) (length + width + height); this equates to a standard 10 in. x 16 in. x 24 in. (25cm x 41cm x 61cm) carry-on bag as permitted on the major airlines.
While we will do our best to accommodate our passengers, any baggage weight over stated limits is not guaranteed to travel. Contact our reservation desk for inquiries about excess baggage.

LAND PLANE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Land plane passengers are limited to 50 lbs. (23kg) total baggage weight per person, regardless of the number of bags, plus one additional personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop, etc.) of up to 20lbs. (9kg) per person.
No single item may exceed 50 lbs. (23kg).
No single item may exceed 62 linear inches (157cm) (length + width + height); this equates to a standard large-size suitcase but is smaller than the largest “cruise-style” suitcases.
No personal items may exceed 36 linear inches (91cm) (length + width + height).
For passengers travelling to or from Victoria International Airport (YYJ), no checked baggage is allowed.
- Two (2) carry-on size bags are permitted and will be subject to TSA x-ray screening.
- No single item may exceed 50 linear inches (127cm) (length + width + height); this equates to a standard mid-size carry-on.
While we will do our best to accommodate our passengers, any baggage weight over stated limits is not guaranteed to travel. Contact our reservation desk for inquiries about excess baggage.

EXCESS-BAGGAGE FEES

All baggage conforming to the baggage allowances specified above for each mode of service travels without additional charge. Due to limited baggage capacity in our small aircraft, we strongly encourage passengers to limit themselves to the baggage allowances specified above.

In the event that excess-baggage is required, the following services are available:

Excess-baggage presented at check-in will be flown on a strictly standby basis for a fee of $1/lb. ($2.20/kg) above the allowance for the mode of service. This fee is assessed separately for outbound and return flights. “Standby” means that the excess-baggage flies only if capacity is available, and excess-baggage that is accommodated on outbound flights is not guaranteed to be accommodated on return flights.
Guaranteed carriage of excess-baggage may be reserved in advance according to the fee structure in the table below by calling our Customer Service group at 866.435.9524.

Mode of Service	Route	0-25 lbs	26-50 lbs. (23kg) or less	51-150 lbs. (24-68kg)
Floatplane	San Juan Islands & Victoria	Included with fare	$75	$179

	Middle Inside Passage (Nanaimo to Dent Island)	Included with fare	$150	$375

	Northern Inside Passage (Blind Channel to Sullivan Bay)	Included with fare	$150	$398
Mode of Service	Route	0-70 lbs	71-100 lbs. (45kg) or less	101-150 lbs. (46-68kg)
Land Plane	Eastsound & Friday Harbor Airport	Included with fare	$75	$179
			All excess-baggage fees listed above are inclusive of tax.

Golf clubs may be accommodated under the following parameters:

One ‘Sunday Bag’ with a total weight of 25 lbs. (11kg) or less may be carried per passenger in addition to the standard baggage allowance on floatplane routes. This is a lightweight nylon bag holding approximately 6 clubs. An advance booking must be made specifically for your Sunday bag on floatplane routes. A prepaid fee of $25 per passenger, per segment applies. This will be listed on your eTicket confirmation, once the advance booking is complete.
Sunday Bags do not require advance booking on wheeled-aircraft routes provided the combined weight of the Sunday Bag and passenger baggage does not exceed 50 lbs. (23kg).

CHANGES & CANCELLATION

Ticket pricing is dynamic and fluctuates per season. Refundable tickets are available at the time of booking.

Packages include: Victoria Sea & Sky made in partnership with Victoria Clipper *and* Whale Watching or Kayaking Packages with San Juan Safaris.

CHANGES

Flight changes made more than (24) hours prior to flight departure are subject to any difference between the fare originally booked and the prevailing published fare for the new flight segment(s).
Package changes made more than (72) hours prior to flight departure are subject to any difference between the package originally booked and the prevailing published fare for the new package.

CANCELLATION

Kenmore Cancelled Flights Due to Weather

Our ability to operate safely is sometimes limited by weather conditions, including poor visibility or high winds. If your flight is canceled due to weather, we offer the following options:
- Full refund through the same process in which you paid.
- Rescheduling on a later flight.
- Flight credit which may be used for up to 18 months in the future.

Standard Fare

For flight cancellations made more than (24) hours prior to flight departure, the value of canceled flight segment(s) is retained as booking credit. To utilize the booking credit, travel must be completed within 18 months from the date the reservation was first canceled. All flight credits are fully transferable.

Refundable Fare

For flight cancellations made more than (24) hours prior to flight departure, the value of canceled flight segment(s) will be reapplied to the original form of payment.

Standard Fare/Refundable Fare

A change or cancellation made less than (24) hours prior to flight departure will result in full forfeiture of the fare.

Packages

A change or cancellation of a Package made less than (72) hours prior to flight departure will result in full forfeiture of the Package fare.

MISSING FLIGHTS

Missing a flight – defined as failure for any reason to check in prior to flight closing – results in full forfeiture of the fare for the missed flight segment regardless of fare class (with the sole exception of government fare, which is fully refundable at any time).
Passengers missing a flight may fly stand-by on the next available flight over the same route at no additional charge.
Passengers affected by major-airline flight delays into Sea-Tac Airport are strongly encouraged to contact our Customer Service group at 866.435.9524 at first indication of a delay. Our Customer Service Agents are available to discuss contingency options.

PETS

Cats and dogs are welcome aboard Kenmore Air flights. For the comfort and safety of our passengers, we maintain a limit of one pet per flight.
The pet must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, require no attention inflight, and remain in one location for the duration of the flight.
Advance bookings are required for all pets, regardless of size or weight, and fees may apply, according to the table below. Arriving for your flight without advance bookings for your pet may result in unanticipated fees or denial of boarding. Your pet will be listed on your emailed itinerary. To add a pet to your booking, please contact our Customer Service group at 866.435.9524.

Pet Weight	Floatplane (Year-Round Routes)
25 lbs. (11kg) or less	No fee; counts toward standard baggage allowance
26–50 lbs. (12–23kg)	$75 each way
51–75 lbs. (24–34kg)	Standard adult fare
> 75 lbs. (34kg)	Standard adult fare

All cats must travel in a small, soft sided, duffel-bag style carrier.
Most dog kennels will not fit in our aircraft on our scheduled service flights, however, charter service may be an option. Please contact our Charter group at 866.359.2842 to discuss options.
Pet immunization records and a health certificate are required on international routes.
Kenmore Air does not offer unaccompanied pet transport services.

RESTRICTED ARTICLES

Federal law prohibits the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. Many everyday products are considered hazardous under these regulations.
Categories of items that are generally prohibited include but are not limited to: flammable substances, explosives, oxidizers, poisons, compressed gases, infectious agents and radioactive materials.
Examples of specific prohibited articles include: aerosols, spray starch, fireworks, strike-anywhere matches, gasoline, lighter fluid, butane, pesticides, paint, scuba tanks, propane cylinders and loose lithium batteries.
More information is available at the Department of Transportation’s Safe Travel website.
Passengers violating Federal hazardous materials laws are subject to fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.
All passengers, baggage and cargo traveling on any Kenmore Air flight or ground shuttle or within the confines of any Kenmore Air facility are subject to search at the discretion of Kenmore Air.
Kenmore Air has the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.

PRIVACY

Kenmore Air will not share any personal or private customer information with any person or organization outside of Kenmore Air, except as required by US or Canadian law.

WHAT ARE THE LAKE UNION SEAPLANE ADVISORY BUOYS?

The City of Seattle, with a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), installed a line of five buoys on 5.24.2018 in a north-south line in the center of the lake. These are to mark a seaplane advisory area for a trial period this summer. While this is a City of Seattle initiative we know a lot of you have questions and want to hear from us.

WHAT FUEL DO YOUR PLANES USE?

The majority of our fleet operates with turbine engines which run on JetA fuel which is essentially a refined grade of kerosene and does not contain lead. The backbone of our fleet are our Turbine Otters which utilize JetA as do our Turbine Beavers. Our piston Beaver fleet of planes and our trainers use 100 octane low lead fuel. All of our land based planes are turbines and also utilize Jet A.

Leaded fuel plays 2 key roles in aircraft engines, first as a lubricant and secondly as an octane boosting element.

Engines receive FAA approval with stipulations for approved fuel characteristics. Changing to a new fuel outside of those characteristics requires engine manufacturer and FAA approval.

Our fuel supplier, Philips 66 Aviation, has been researching and developing two solutions to the leaded aviation fuel issue with an unleaded fuel product as well as a new product called 100M with manganese replacing the lead. More information on these solutions may be found here: Unleaded Avgas, Phillips 66 Aviation – TrustedFuel.com

The 100M solution is the most promising and is expected to be available in 26/27. This solution would not require FAA variances to use.

Kenmore Air is committed to making this change when the fuels become commercially available.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT

We accept the following credit cards

Visa
Mastercard
American Express

We accept Personal Cheque with a form of ID.

Kenmore Air is cash-less; as of December 1, 2019

March 12, 2022/by [email protected]

Frequent Flyers

TRAVEL INFO

TRAVEL INFO – QuickTix

QuickTix

QuickTix provide a bulk price discount when you purchase a block of ten (10) one-ways tickets to the San Juan Islands. These pre-purchased tickets are fully transferable so they can be shared with family, friends, or business associates. The booklet expires one year from the date of purchase and all flights must be completed by then.

HOW TO PURCHASE QUICKTIX

Customers purchasing QuickTix for the first time will need to create an online Customer profile. This profile is your central point for purchase, redemption, and tracking of your QuickTix.

CREATE CUSTOMER PROFILE

Customers with an existing Customer profile (as of April 6, 2022) may login below to purchase.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

WHAT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW

San Juan Island seaplane destinations: Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, Deer Harbor, and Rosario Resort
Kenmore Air Express (wheeled planes) offers routes between Seattle/Boeing Field and Eastsound/Orcas Island Airport and Friday Harbor Airport.
Scheduled daily seaplane service to Victoria B.C.’s Inner Harbor
All e-coupon prices, including those for Canadian routes, are in US Dollars and include all taxes and fuel surcharges if any.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS
(SEAPLANE & WHEELED PLANE)

$1,790 USD

VICTORIA, B.C. INNER HARBOR

$1,890 USD

March 12, 2022/by [email protected]

International

TRAVEL INFO

Travel Info – International

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION

All travelers — regardless of age or citizenship — flying between the United States and Canada in either direction are required to present a current, valid passport book.

more details

New Canadian entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly or transit through Canada are expected to have Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
US Passport holders do not need an ETA. US Permanent Resident (green card) holders need an ETA. If you have a travel-visa, you do not need an ETA.
Kenmore Air is prohibited from accepting documents such as passport cards, NEXUS cards, and enhanced driver’s licenses, even though they are acceptable at some border-crossing locations.
All travelers flying between the United States and Canada are subject to customs inspection including a search of their persons and baggage.

There are certain crimes that are considered misdemeanors in the United States but are felonies in Canada. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are common examples. If you have been convicted of any crime, you may be denied entry into Canada. Please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada for more information on inadmissibility.
Canadian Border Services Agency require additional documentation for any minor children entering Canada unless accompanied by both parents or their legal guardian. The Government of Canada provides resources on this topic including a recommended consent letter.
It is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is in compliance with all applicable regulations for the country he/she is entering. In the event that you are denied entry into the United States or Canada for any reason, you are liable for the cost of your return flight to the country of origin. Kenmore Air cannot be liable for any expenses or inconveniences arising from denied or delayed entry.

What do I need to cross the US/Canada border?

Washington and some other states are issuing “enhanced driver’s license.” Isn’t that as good as a passport?

What about a Nexus Card?

Although NEXUS cards are acceptable in lieu of a passport at some international airports, none of the ports of entry used by Kenmore Air is equipped to accept NEXUS cards.

Your Customer Service Agent sure asked a lot of questions. What’s up with that?

What if I’m a US citizen stuck in Canada without a passport and need to get home urgently?

I’m not a US or Canadian citizen. Do I need a visa as well as a passport?

Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization – passports are required to obtain an ETA
US Electronic System for Travel Authorization

What is ESTA?

What is eTA?

What about the kids?

Past legal troubles?

What about pets?

How about firearms?

What if I am denied entry?

How do I get a passport?

March 12, 2022/by [email protected]

Ground Transportation

TRAVEL INFO

TRAVEL INFO –

Ground Transportation

Sea-Tac Airport Connections

Kenmore Air offers pre-paid ground shuttle service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the Seattle/Boeing Field terminal (BFI).

Book your flight to/from Boeing Field and the option to add on the shuttle comes during the booking process
Price is $20 per person each way
Shuttle bookings are non-refundable and seats are limited
Shuttles depart Sea-Tac Airport one (1) hour prior to flight departure from Boeing Field
Please allow two (2) hours for connections in/out of Sea-Tac Airport with your shuttle departure/arrival
Kenmore Air ground shuttles drop off and pick up at Door 2 at the south end of the Baggage Claim level. Please meet your driver curbside 15 min prior to pick-up.

Jan 1 – March 11 & Nov 5 – Dec 31, 2023 – Shuttle Schedule

Shuttles Depart Sea-Tac Airport one (1) hour prior to flight departure at Boeing Field
Example: If you book a shuttle along with your 9a flight, the shuttle leaves at 8a

Shuttle departure times from Sea-Tac Airport to Boeing Field	Flight Departure times from Boeing Field	Flight Arrival times into Boeing Field
8:30am	9:30am	9:00am
11:30am	12:30pm	12:00pm
2:30pm	3:30pm	3:00pm
2:30pm	3:30pm	3:00pm

March 12, 2022/by [email protected]

Terminals

TRAVEL INFO

Travel Info – Terminals

Terminals Where We Fly

Kenmore Air has stayed exactly where it started in 1946, building what was a single garage on the north shore of Lake Washington into a 5-acre campus that is home to our Kenmore Air Harborseaplane terminal. In 1993, we opened our Lake Union Seaplane Terminal, which sits at the south shore in the fast-growing tech hub of the city while Kenmore Air Express, our landplane division, operates out of Boeing Field, which is 5 miles south of downtown Seattle.