Customs at Toronto Pearson

[casper_jj11]

Ok, so as often as we've flown to MCO, we've never stopped over in Toronto. We always connec tin the US so we can do customs in Ottawa. This time, we're stopping in Toronto both ways. What happens? Do we need to collect luggage? Do we need to leave security to do that? How far is customs from where the luggage is collected? How long does it take? We have 1hr20min stopover... is that enough with three kids? How fast do we need to trot to not miss our connection to MCO?

 

[Leafsgirl36]

When we changed planes in Toronto, flew from Halifax, stopover in Toronto then to Orlando using Westjet we had to go through a door where you went to pick up your luggage, then you have to go through customs, then drop off your luggage then go through security. We were travelling with 3 adults and 2 children and you had to move, there was no time to have a bathroom break or get anything to eat. But I suppose it all depends on the crowds and we travelled in early February right when you were not allowed to take carry on and they had extra security checks.

 

[glendalais]

Going towards Orlando, you would disembark from your domestic flight at Toronto and follow the signs for U.S. Connections. You would collect your Baggage in the U.S. Baggage Claim area. You would then pass through U.S. Customs and Immigration Preclearance and place your baggage onto another carousel to be loaded onto the airplane before proceeding to your gate.

Upon your return from the United States, you would disembark at Toronto and pass through Canadian Customs/Immigration. You would then claim your luggage and follow the signs for Connections. At that point, you will put your luggage back onto another carousel and proceed to your gate.

For more information, consult the website of the Greater Toronto Airport Authority on the subject

Connection Tips (En français - Correspondances)

In addition, the GTAA has posted several videos on the process of moving through the terminal during your transfer process:

http://www.airportwayfinder.com/wayfinders/yyz/

As to how long it would take, I've never connected through Toronto to the US, so I couldn't say, I can't imagine you having that much trouble with nearly an hour and a half between flights, though.

 

[tiggerrr]

Going towards Orlando, you would disembark from your domestic flight at Toronto and follow the signs for U.S. Connections. You would collect your Baggage in the U.S. Baggage Claim area. You would then pass through U.S. Customs and Immigration Preclearance and place your baggage onto another carousel to be loaded onto the airplane before proceeding to your gate. CLARIFICATION: After you place your baggage on the carousel, you must clear security before going to your gate. This is important, because if you buy something to drink in Ottawa after clearing security there, you have to drink it all or dispose of it by the time you get to Toronto and go through Customs.
Upon your return from the United States, you would disembark at Toronto and pass through Canadian Customs/Immigration. You would then claim your luggage and follow the signs for Connections. At that point, you will put your luggage back onto another carousel and proceed to your gate. AGAIN: You will have to clear security between the time you re-check your bags and go to the gate.
For more information, consult the website of the Greater Toronto Airport Authority on the subject

Connection Tips (En français - Correspondances)

In addition, the GTAA has posted several videos on the process of moving through the terminal during your transfer process:

http://www.airportwayfinder.com/wayfinders/yyz/

As to how long it would take, I've never connected through Toronto to the US, so I couldn't say, I can't imagine you having that much trouble with nearly an hour and a half between flights, though.

See comments embedded above relating to your question on security.

I'm not sure if I can help with your layover time question. We flew Westjet and found that it was about a 5-10 minute walk to the baggage area and our bags arrived within about 5 more minutes. US Pre-Clearance was nearly empty at the time, so we spent only about 5 minutes there and about another 5-10 minutes at security. This was for a flight leaving Toronto around 10am. I would think the real 'X' factor in the time is the lineup at Customs (which will translate to a line at Security as well).

My point of view on these things is this: If it wasn't enough time, the airline wouldn't do it. That's not to say that there won't be problems once in a while, but generally this has to work or the airline wouldn't allow the connection.

 

[casper_jj11]

Thanks so much for the responses. I was wondering about the security issue more than anything since 1) its a hassle with the kids and 2) it can really slow things down if there are many people there. I agree that if the airline allows it, it shouldnt be too big a problem but that said, everything with 3 small kids takes longer than most other people. I'm sure it will work out fine but as I said, I usually avoid this by flying from ottawa to a US stopover ... its so much easier that way