nrosso

We will be flying Rome to Toronto and then on to Pittsburgh. We are US citizens.
When we arrive in Toronto will we have to go thru customs? Or will we do this when we reach Pittsburgh?

We change planes in Toronto, if we go thru customs will we need to get our checked bags and recheck them? We only have 1 hour between flights and I am hoping this is enough time. Thanks

rkkwan

Assuming you're flying Air Canada, minimum connection time for int'l-to-US is 1:25 at YYZ. You go through US immigration, customs and security all at YYZ.

Citylghts

Yes, you will pre-clear US Customs and Border Patrol before boarding your flight. Your flight will then land as a domestic US flight.

When I did this last year, a gate agent asked everyone with connecting flights to the US to gather in one spot after we exited the jetway. She then escorted us to the US pre-clearance area where we went through security screening and then, CPB. They have begun a new system where you don't actually claim your luggage and recheck them. The CPB agent simply scans your baggage claim and gets an image of your bag on the belt. You confirm that it's yours, and you're done. (After all, how many black roller bags could there be in the world? )

nrosso

Thank you for the info It seems we may be in for a "run" through the airport with only 1 hr between flights. Hope our departing from from Rome is on time.

rkkwan

Your connection is "illegal". Nobody should be selling you a ticket like that unless you book the separately. Call AC or whoever you book with to change it. Otherwise, if you miss the connection, the airline may not put you on the next flight for free.

Your problem is not running through the airport, but the line at US Immigration unless you have Global
Entry or Nexus to bypass that line.