Connecting in Toronto for return to US
 

Hello,

I am currently researching potential flights options from my home base of Pittsburgh to Vancouver. Going out isn't a problem, but coming back I'm less than thrilled with the options. I currently have my eye on Air Canada flights (so connecting in Toronto). Since the flight from Vancouver to Toronto would be all Canada, I know we wouldn't clear US customs until Toronto (our final destination in Canada before entering the US). The flight has us arriving in Toronto at 7:29PM local time, and then the flight to Pittsburgh leaves at 9:20PM. From past experiences connecting in Toronto, I know we would unfortunately need to go through security lines again which have been the pits in terms of people. This would be a Monday evening if that makes any difference (i.e. not a weekend day). There's another flight we could take that leaves Vancouver 30 minutes earlier (so departs Vancouver at 11:30AM), however, the cruise line recommends not booking flights until noon or later.

So I guess my question is, would just under 2 hours be enough time to clear US customs at Toronto and also make it through security?

I always like to air on the side of caution where connections are concerned but it would help me to avoid having to do a red eye flight which I loathe.

Thanks in advance!

Since you already understand the US border security procedures (which may or may not involve customs for your luggage), you can probably guess that there is no guaranteed answer to your question at Pearson or any other big airport handling long-distance flights. A two-hour margin would fit my risk tolerance, but you know the ropes and what suits you. Pearson is big and relatively efficient but nobody can control the weather across four time zones.

In Pearson airport you can use the US Border Protection kiosks with your passport, and if you have Global Entry it is even faster.

We did a similar routing: YVR-YYZ-PHL-VCE, all because I wanted to avoid flying Rouge to Europe. We had less than 2 hours to connect in Toronto and had no problem. Much depends on the traffic at the airport at the time. Another issue can be leaving on time out of Vancouver on Air Canada. We have had a few issues on our most recent holidays. We have never missed a connection but have learned how to run quickly through Toronto, carry on in tow!

Did you consider taking the Amtrak train or bus from Vancouver to Seattle? You might find it easier connecting in Chicago or elsewhere coming from Seattle.