Boston to Calgary flight-how long for customs
 

We'll be flying from Boston to Calgary this summer via either Toronto or Montreal. Some of the connections seem pretty tight and I'm wondering how long it takes to get through Customs at either airport. Also, I read something about the return to Boston and the fact that you go through Customs in Canada rather than in Boston. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

For your trip to Canada, you will go through immigrations and customs at the first Canadian airport. There are the occasional exceptions, so I would check with the airline. However, you need to leave time to collect your luggage, pass through immigrations and customs and drop off your luggage again. The time needed depends on the airport, but allow plenty of time.

On the return trip, you would pre-clear US immigrations and customs in either Toronto or Montreal. There are no separate lines for US citizens, so it could be slow (or fast). I'd leave at least 1.5 hours between flights, but if the airline allows the connection and you miss the flight, I believe they have to rebook you on a later flight.

Thank you. I'll check with Air Canada before booking anything.