Originally Posted by
Bytepusher
If I am recalling correctly on the BWI-YYZ-NRT flight luggage can be checked though. In the reverse direction it has to be collected in YYZ, lugged through US customs and rechecked.
Since you preclear in YYZ the flight will be treated as domestic and you'll not be arriving at the international terminal.
You are correct you will have to recollect the luggage but in the US claim area and then US customs is right next door so you won't have to lug it very far.
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If I am not mistaken as long as your luggage will be transfered on to your NRT flight it will be very simple connection for you. When you land in YYZ and reach the upper level of the terminal look for signs directing you towards customs B. Customs B will ask you a couple questions and you will be on your way to the international long haul gates at the end of the F Concorse.
For more information I have provided a link that will show you a video of what I am explaining. It will also show you how to connect in YYZ back to the US so that you will not have to clear Canadian Immigration only US preclearance once you are back in YYZ.
For the video on your out bound watch international to international and on the way back international to US.
http://www.airportwayfinder.com/wayfinders/yyz/
I hope this was somewhat helpful.