customs pre-clearance
 

When we were at the airport in Halifax last week, coming back into the states, they had us go through US customs while still in the Halifax airport, and then we came into Washington as a domestic flight. That was so nice and convenient, but I'd never heard anything about it.

Can anyone tell me if this is a Canada-US thing, or if they are doing this other places? Great idea....much nicer to go through customs in Halifax (no waiting line at all because only 2 flights were scheduled to go out that evening), rather than Washington, where we'd still be waiting in line probably!!!

Most major Canadian airports, Bahamas, Ireland and I believe Bermuda.

Keep in mind that Ireland only has US immigration pre-clearance but not US customs.

Also, some of the Canadian ones may close early. I was once on a since-discontinued YEG-IAH flight that left after midnight, and we have to clear US immigration/customs in Houston because of the late departure time.

thanks!!

Bermuda has both US Immigration and Customs pre-clearance. Very convenient and we like that very much.

Another good thing here - there is a duty-free shop after the check-in; you have a chance to pack the precious cheap cargo in your checked luggage before going thru Imm/Customs.