Originally Posted by
JimInOhio
Thanks for responding but now I'm confused. Don't I have to claim my bag at the special belt to bring through US customs? Is there an AC customer service person there at the bag drop who can get us onto the earlier flight if there's time (and room)? It's been years since I've done this and I don't remember the details.
There is a new procedure at YYZ first you will need to go though passport control for connecting flights since you are connecting on to another country. Then you to US connections. Once you have scanned your passport/GE Card there is a large screen with names on it. You need to wait until your name appears on the screen (actually for your luggage to be brought though) and then you process to US Pre-clearance. You no longer need to pick up your luggage.
There is where the issue is. Even with GE, if the luggage processing is delayed, by the time you get past Customs/Immigration pre-clearance and security, it may be too late to request getting on the earlier flight.
Your second option is to call in before the, IF (and I don't know this to be true) the earlier flight is a legal connection, you can pay whatever change fee exists and risk the shorter (tight) connection, knowing there is a flight 4 hours later.