Indirect Flights via Canada

[Dimplenose]

I've read a lot about changing in America but wonder how things might differ if the stop is in Canada.

I'm looking at some indirect flights with Air Canada that mean a change at Toronto or Montreal.

Has anyone done this?

Do I have to clear customs in Canada or just stay airside while I wait for my connection?

Would I have to retrieve my luggage and check it in again myself?

I'm very naïve at this having always flown direct before.

Thanks for any info.

 

[chmurf]

A stop in Canada on a US-bound flight is just like a stop in the US

you clear US Customs in Canada (this involves picking up your luggage and dropping it again after customs)

just follow the "US Connections" sign once you deplane.

ETA : here is a little movie to explain how it works in Canada (Toronto Airport)

on the menu on the left, choose "Terminal one connections", a menu will deploy choose "international to US" in that menu, and watch the video

http://www.airportwayfinder.com/wayfinders/yyz-wdemo/?v=3_6

terminal 3 connections is slightly different, a video for that terminal is also available on that site.

 

[Kath2003]

I've read a lot about changing in America but wonder how things might differ if the stop is in Canada.

I'm looking at some indirect flights with Air Canada that mean a change at Toronto or Montreal.

Has anyone done this?

Do I have to clear customs in Canada or just stay airside while I wait for my connection?

Would I have to retrieve my luggage and check it in again myself?

I'm very naïve at this having always flown direct before.

Thanks for any info.

Yeah done it a few times, really easy. When you land, you're routed directly to US immigration. You enter the US whilst in Canada. Then go through security to your new gate for your second flight. Your hold bags are checked the whole way through. Last time it took me under 20 minutes, gate to gate, though it depends hugely on how busy US immigration is (I would book a minimum of a 2 hour connection time).

On the way back, you are routed through Canadian customs which takes no time whatsoever, and then straight to your new gate - no need to even pass through security with hand luggage again here. Your hold bags are checked all the way through again. Last time this took me under 15 minutes, gate to gate.

It's probably easier to travel via Canada than via another US city.
The downside is that it gets darn cold in Canada!

 

[MissPrincess101]

I flew to Vegas via Toronto, and it was great - I cleared immigration and customs in around 30mins (wasn't madly busy so I was lucky) so that meant when I arrived in Vegas it was for all intents and purposes on a domestic flight.....so while my friend was waiting in the Immigration queue from the direct VIrgin flight (which incidentally arrived around 40mins before mine) I was stood outside with my bags in the sun!!! I'd definitely do it again! :-D

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for your help but I waited too long and the flights I wanted had gone.

However, we've now booked flights via Miami.

 

[Kath2003]

Thanks for your help but I waited too long and the flights I wanted had gone.

However, we've now booked flights via Miami.

Ah Miami...perhaps the most boring airport of all time. Take a good book

 

[Dimplenose]

Ah Miami...perhaps the most boring airport of all time. Take a good book

Never mind, I'd happily sit in a box for a few hours if it meant I could go to WDW.

 

[scoobydooby]

Ah Miami...perhaps the most boring airport of all time. Take a good book

I think getting or Orlando is a bore and a pain however you do it!

 

[Kath2003]

Never mind, I'd happily sit in a box for a few hours if it meant I could go to WDW.

Yeah, it's fine, just lacks the usual array of decent shops and you can't really watch planes come and go. They put TVs in now, which run the news constantly, which helps. Like you say, it's simply a means to an end...