Last year I went on a flight from Calgary to Miami. I choose to travel late at night as I can sleep on the plane and in the Airports.

Anyways, I didn't realize that I'd have to claim my baggage in Toronto to connect to the United States. I arrived in Toronto at 00:02. The area where my bags were kept were closed. I was told by the guy near the carousel where the domestic luggage was that I would have to claim it from an office. I was given directions and was told it would open at 4AM.

I scouted out the office so that I would know where it was and I waited until 4AM. No one was there. I asked the few staff that were around when it opened... they didn't seem to want to answer, but I was told 4:30AM. At 4:30AM it still wasn't opened. My flight was leaving at 6:30AM, so I was quite anxious. I asked again and was told 5:00AM. Again, no one was there and I was told 5:30AM. At this point I was very anxious and when 5:30AM rolled around no one was there, I was getting frightened of missing my flight or having to leave my luggage around. At this point, I came up to a staff member and they consulted security. They let me into the room, but they told me that once I went in, I would not be allowed to exit. The room was not officially open, and the security guard had to make special arrangements to let me in.

Anyways, I caught the flight in time, but it has made me scared about transfering to the USA when I arrive late at my connection point and leave early.

Is there anything that I should know? What time does this area actually open at? Should I go directly to security when I want to check in?

I'm doing a similar flight again, although I'm leaving Toronto at 8AM this time. I'm hoping it all runs smoothly this time.