If you fly from DC to Toronto, do you need to go through customs before getting on connecting flight

[Anonymous]

I think I know the answer to this, and I think I screwed up my flight.

I'm flying from DC to Toronto, then I need to get on another flight to Vancouver. I have one hour and 45 minutes between landing and takeoff. Any idea if this will work, or should I try to change my second flight?

I called the travel service, and they said they'd call me back. The airline has a long wait time, so I figured I would post here before calling back later tonight.

[Anonymous]

Yes. You do need to clear customs and go back through security in Toronto. The last couple of times that I've done it (also going through to Vancouver) it has been quick, well within an hour and 45 minutes. Unless you scheduled those flights separately on two reservations, I'd leave it.

[Anonymous]

You definitely need to check. The US rule is first point of entry. But I’ve flown internationally and did not have to go through customs until my final stop. The intermediate stops had sequestered areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You definitely need to check. The US rule is first point of entry. But I’ve flown internationally and did not have to go through customs until my final stop. The intermediate stops had sequestered areas.

We’re the intermediate stops in the same country as the final? If you fly into a country in an international flight and then fly out you don’t need to clear customs and immigration, but if you switch to a domestic flight (e.g. Toronto to Vancouver) you do.

[Anonymous]

Ugh. So I have 1:45 between when they say we'll land and when we takeoff. Of course, it's winter in Canada, so who knows if there will be delays?

On a positive note, it's the same airline: Air Canada.

On the return flight, I'm flying from Vancouver to Chicago,/O'Hare and I have exactly 2 hours between landing and departing for DC.

Would you just stick with those flights and see if it works? I have to check luggage (traveling for business for a week, so there's no way I can do one little carry on).

I called the airline, and they said it should be enough time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. So I have 1:45 between when they say we'll land and when we takeoff. Of course, it's winter in Canada, so who knows if there will be delays?

It's winter in the US as well. And other places...

[Anonymous]

Op here with an update.

I will need to clear customs in Toronto, but I do NOT have to grab my checked luggage. Rather, I pick it up in Vancouver.

This is on Air Canada, fwiw.

[Anonymous]

I am sure you have to get your bags to clear customs

[Anonymous]

You'll be fine. You just need to do immigration, not customs. You'll arrive in the US gates (E gates), then follow the sign for connections. There will be a short line (never more than 5-10 people) for immigration. Once you pass that, follow the Canadian connection signs.

I do this a few times a year for the past few years, when flying to Asia. No issues at all.

While you're there, complain how there is no direct flight to Vancouver from DC. It's annoying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. So I have 1:45 between when they say we'll land and when we takeoff. Of course, it's winter in Canada, so who knows if there will be delays?

On a positive note, it's the same airline: Air Canada.

On the return flight, I'm flying from Vancouver to Chicago,/O'Hare and I have exactly 2 hours between landing and departing for DC.

Would you just stick with those flights and see if it works? I have to check luggage (traveling for business for a week, so there's no way I can do one little carry on).

I called the airline, and they said it should be enough time.

When you return you will clear US immigration and customs in Vancouver so Chicago will just be a domestic connection. 2 hours is plenty of time for OHare. We changed airlines/terminals there a few weeks ago in 40 minutes due to a late arrival. Not ideal because the walk was 15-20 minutes of that time but it worked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. So I have 1:45 between when they say we'll land and when we takeoff. Of course, it's winter in Canada, so who knows if there will be delays?

On a positive note, it's the same airline: Air Canada.

On the return flight, I'm flying from Vancouver to Chicago,/O'Hare and I have exactly 2 hours between landing and departing for DC.

Would you just stick with those flights and see if it works? I have to check luggage (traveling for business for a week, so there's no way I can do one little carry on).

I called the airline, and they said it should be enough time.

When you return you will clear US immigration and customs in Vancouver so Chicago will just be a domestic connection. 2 hours is plenty of time for OHare. We changed airlines/terminals there a few weeks ago in 40 minutes due to a late arrival. Not ideal because the walk was 15-20 minutes of that time but it worked.

Thx!