Question about using Frequent Flier Miles

Factual Questions
1

I live in the southeastern US and I’m planning a trip to see a friend in Vancouver. I have one of those frequent flier miles credit cards, but it’s only good for travel w/in the continental US. So, I’m planning to use my frequent flier miles to fly to Seattle, then catch a cheap flight from Seattle to Vancouver, and do the same on the way home.

I’ve never tried something like this before, and in this post-9/11 world I have a few questions (some of which may sound dumb, but you don’t know until you ask). I’m hoping some dopers will be able to help me out.

  1. Will I have to go through check-in again in Seattle, since the separate plane rides are two separate transactions rather than your usual connection, or are the airlines now sophisticated enough to check me all the way through?

  2. I plan on just using a carry-on. Will the fact that I have no luggage and I’m plane hopping arose suspicion?

  3. Where will I go through customs?

  4. Does the fact that the trip is international mean I’ll have to jump through any unforseen hoops?

  5. Anything else I should know?

Thank you in advance.

2

[ol]
[li]Yes, as far as I know, also will both rides be on the same airline? But since you have no luggage, this won’t be a huge problem[/li][li]Probably not, lots of people just use carry on. Be aware that carry on between SEA and YVR may not be what you think it is. Lots of the planes on this route are small bug smashers (prop planes that are small, fly low and smash bugs on the windscreen) They cannot accomondate large carry ons that the larger jets can. What happens is when you go to board, they will take your carry on from you at the ramp, and return it at the ramp on the other end of the trip.[/li][li]Outbound in Vancouver (nicest customs area anywhere) return also in Vancouver Both US customs and imagration are in the Vancouver airport[/li][li]Bring a passport, or the airline may not let you on the plane. A driver’s license won’t cut it.[/li][li]Yes, have fun in Vancouver it is one of the world’s greatest cities[/li][/ol]

3

Thanks, Rick .