Atlantic Xpat

One always wonders whats best - to board first, situate oneself in your fully flat reclining seat, accept a pre-flight glass of champagne from the cabin staff & contemplate the menu ostentatiously and then bask in the sullen glare of the proles as they shuffle back to economy class, or to board on an aircraft using two jetways so one doesn't have to to mix with the proles at all.

Former Lancastrian

There again one of those proles just might accidentally drop their carry on into your lap and spilling your champagne over your pants ensuring you have a wet flight
Its amazing how many people cannot lift their carry on bag high enough to put in the overhead bin without whacking you in the side of the head or shoulder area. Its the same when they are removing the bag from the overhead bin.
Its not like they weigh a ton due to weight restrictions.
Luckily I haven't flown for a while.

Novocastrian

*Proles being People regrettably of lower employment status.

Atlantic Xpat

That's all of us for you well heeled retirees....

Novocastrian

Perhaps, but I still now have to pay for for my own tickets.

BristolUK

Just needs some sort of escape capsule in the event of a crash

Irri

This is actually one of the issues for me. My friend spends his life in the air, and has so many miles that he can upgrade me for free. I want to try for special authorisation, but if I don't get it, I've wasted a £3150 ticket. Maybe I could apply before booking, and pretend I have booked the flight I plan to fly on.

Irri

Here's what I got from the Canadian High Commission in London. It might be useful to others...

We are unable to offer an expedited service. If you are travelling within the next month please submit your application ASAP in person or by post, writing “URGENT eTA” on the envelope and we will try to assist you. Please also include proof of travel, i.e. a copy of your flight booking or ticket.

As of 10 Nov 2016, all visa-exempt travelers will need an eTA to travel to or transit through Canada by air (with the exception of United States passport holders). Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need to show proof they are Canadian to board their flight to Canada. The only acceptable proof is a valid Canadian passport, temporary passport or emergency travel document. More information can be found on the IRCC official website: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
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However, if you are Canadian and are also a citizen of a visa-exempt country, have immediate plans to travel to Canada and do not have a valid Canadian passport, you may be eligible** for a special authorization to allow you to board your flight to Canada using your valid non-Canadian passport.

You may be eligible if you
• have a flight to Canada that leaves in less than ten days; and
• have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.

You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
• have previously received a certificate of Canadian citizenship; or
• have previously held a Canadian passport; or
• have been granted Canadian citizenship after having been
a permanent resident of Canada.

**Note: meeting the eligibility requirements above does not guarantee that your application for a special authorization will be approved. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is unable to provide electronic validation for all Canadian citizens because IRCC can verify only records that are stored within its computer systems. IRCC is unable to electronically verify older historic records stored on paper or microfilm and does not have electronic access to provincial and territorial records of birth certificates. If there is enough time, you should apply for a Canadian Passport instead. If your special authorization is refused, you will have to apply for a Canadian Passport. Please email [email protected] for more information.

You can apply for a special authorization here: Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport

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To apply for a passport, please follow these 4 steps:

Step 1: Determine if you are eligible for the Simplified Renewal Process
You may use The Simplified Renewal process only if all the following conditions are met:
· You were at least 16 years of age at the time of your previous application;
· The name on this application form is exactly as it appears on page 2 of the submitted passport 1
· Submit a previous Canadian passport that:
o is valid or expired for no more than one (1) year
o is valid for five (5) years or ten (10) years
o is not damaged; and
o was never reported lost or stolen.
If you are eligible for the Simplified renewal process, please download, complete, and print the PPTC482 Adult Abroad Simplified Renewal Passport Application Form.

If you are not eligible for the Simplified Renewal process, please complete the PPTC040 Adult Abroad General Application Form

Step 2: Gather supporting documents

Ensuring that your application is completed as thoroughly as possible will help us process your application without delay. Incomplete passports will not be processed and will be returned.
· Ensure you sign the completed application on all pages and that your signature is within the green box on page 1.
· Include your last Canadian passport (regardless of expiry date)
· Two identical photographs taken within the last 6 months. The name and address of the photographer must be provided as well as the date that the photographs were taken.*One of the photographs must be signed on the reverse by the guarantor.
· *Include your original Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate. The citizenship certificate must show the date of birth.
· *Include an additional piece of valid ID other than your previous passport or proof of citizenship to support identity (section 5 on the application form PPTC040; see section L of the instructions section of the form PPTC040).
· *Ensure that you sign and date the application form on the same day or before your guarantor.

Additional Information on how to complete the application form can be found in the General Information and Instructions that accompany the passport application forms.

*Does not apply if using the Simplified Renewal process.

Step 3: Include payment
Acceptable payment methods are:
· By card in CAD$ using the Credit Card Authorisation Form (also attached)
· By postal order in GBP£ issued to the Canadian High Commission
· Bank draft in GBP£ (or CAD$, but only if drawn from a Canadian Bank) issued to the Canadian High Commission
· Cash and personal cheques are not accepted

Please consult our Fee Schedule for an up-to date list of fees.

You may omit the postage fee if your application includes a self-addressed registered return envelope that includes postage.

Step 4: Submit your application:
By Post (traceable mail):
High Commission of Canada in London
Passport Applications
Consular Section
Canada House
Trafalgar Square
London
SW1Y 5BJ

Via the drop-off box:
The box is located in the entrance of Canada House (Cockspur Street Entrance). Please consult the Hours of Operation for information about our opening hours and holiday closures.

In person, at the counter:
Clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis (Cockspur Street Entrance). Please consult the Hours of Operation page for information about our opening hours and holiday closures.

Snowy560

Thank you for posting the reply you received. Please let us know what you decide to do and what happens.

I do hope it all works out for you.