Connecting Flights. When do you stop at Customs?

[Macduffy]

This is our first trip to Orlando flying out of Canada (we've always driven to Maine in the past). I wanted to clarify something, When flying home we are stopping in Montreal before heading to NB. When we arrive there we have to grab all our luggage and go through Customs right? And check the bags again? It's been such a long time since I took a connecting flight out of Canada (seriously like the year 2000) I honestly have no recollection.

 

[ottawamom]

You will go through customs in Montreal just as you said.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

But you shouldn't have to get your bags. They typically go straight through to your final destination. That's what happens for us from Halifax-Toronto-Miami. And like Ottawamom said above, Customs are done in Montreal.

 

[SirDuff]

Having just flown through Montreal (yesterday) you will collect you luggage in Montreal and drop it off at the transfer station. There are many (many, many) signs telling you do so. I was flying US-Canada-International so I didn't collect my luggage so I cannot tell you what the transfer desks are like (but I went through baggage claim because I had a long layover and was visiting Montreal rather than staying in the airport, so I saw the signs) but there is definitely signage (and when I asked, I was told that it was for people doing what you are doing US/International - Montreal - Canada).

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

That is so strange. Maybe it's just a Montreal thing? I've never collected luggage, unless I was changing airlines at my connection.

 

[vincent00]

For interest's sake, last time I went through Toronto (YHZ > YYZ > MCO) with a checked bag in our travel party, we had to pick it up at a carousel near the US customs checkpoint and take it with us, then drop it off on another conveyor before heading for the departure gate. Same airline for both legs of the flight. This was in 2014.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

To the OP, check your luggage claim ticket. If you do not have to collect, it should say something like "in transit", which would mean it goes straight through. Just ask the airline rep once you are getting off the plane in Montreal if you need to collect or not, based on your luggage claim ticket. They will be able to help you.

 

[daver]

That is so strange. Maybe it's just a Montreal thing? I've never collected luggage, unless I was changing airlines at my connection.

I fly out of Halifax, and whether in T.O. or Mtl, we always collected our bags to clear customs. Normally its the last stop before you cross to the U.S.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

No idea then. Ours always go straight through. It's way easier, that's for sure.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I think it may depend on which airline you are flying.... with WestJet, you will need to claim your bags and take them through security. I believe on Air Canada flights there is the ability to have bags sent straight through to your final destination.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I think it may depend on which airline you are flying.... with WestJet, you will need to claim your bags and take them through security. I believe on Air Canada flights there is the ability to have bags sent straight through to your final destination.

Yes! I think this is the final answer...we always fly Air Canada.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Yes! I think this is the final answer...we always fly Air Canada.

Happy to be of assistance

 

[Starwind]

The Montreal Airport website has information about connecting passengers:

http://www.admtl.com/en/guide/connecting-flights

They say this about people connecting from the US to Canada:


United States-Canada

If your flight originated in the United States and you need to take a connecting flight to a Canadian destination, you must clear Canadian customs. It is very important to remember that you must personally pick up your luggage, which you may then leave at the connecting-flight counter located immediately after you leave the customs hall.


You must then follow the normal procedure for Canadian departures and go through pre-boarding screening checkpoint “A”. Note that liquids, gels and creams in containers larger than 100 ml/100 g (3.4 oz) must be carried in your checked luggage. Such items, even if sealed, will not be allowed through pre-boarding screening checkpoints.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

To the OP, check your luggage claim ticket. If you do not have to collect, it should say something like "in transit", which would mean it goes straight through. Just ask the airline rep once you are getting off the plane in Montreal if you need to collect or not, based on your luggage claim ticket. They will be able to help you.

It's better to ask when you check the bag if it will be checked all the way thorough then asking at the gate.