duty free question with connecting flights to US
 

Hi I am flying from Tokyo to Chicago via Toronto next week. I am worried that the duty free I purchase in Tokyo will be confiscated when I go thru security again in Toronto for my flight to Chicago. I have tried searching to see if Tokyo uses the clear plastic bags they use in the EU but have not found any answers. I will not be carrying alcohol just a ton of cosmetics


Thanks,

Jen

Idk as I have never flown through Canada. Would you have to claim your bag and then pass back though security? If so, put the purchases back in your checked luggage. I learned the hard way :(

Perhaps post this on the Air Travel board also.

Why would it be confiscated?

>>Why would it be confiscated?<<

because it is liquid and over 3oz in size

Even non liquid. We had an exchange student try to take peanut butter back to Russia. We told her to put it in her checked bag, but she wanted on her carry on. TSA took it away. :( (

>> Even non liquid. We had an exchange student try to take peanut butter back to Russia. We told her to put it in her checked bag, but she wanted on her carry on. TSA took it away.<<

Peanut butter is considered a 'gel' - just like body butter or hair gel so yes, it would need to go in a checked bag.

You will have to pass through US customs and immigration in Toronto before you board your Chicago-bound flight, so you'll have the opportunity to repack your cosmetics in your checked luggage before you drop it off to be rechecked for your onward flight. If you aren't willing to do that, then your duty-free goods will be confiscated by the TSA in Toronto because they exceed the liquids limit for carry-on. In this case, it's the US rules that apply, not the Canadian rules.

Is it guaranteed that she will have access to her bag in Toronto?

Assuming all Air Canada http://www.torontopearson.com/Connecting.aspx#
there is no access to the baggage, but there is a second security screening.

A person can still cram a "ton" of cosmetics into a 1 liter plastic bag as long as no bottle exceeds 100 ml.

Playing with the website above, airlines that use Terminal 1 like Japan Airlines require a terminal change for US flights, so in those instances you would get baggage access.