Originally Posted by
Burj
I did this exact trip.... HKG->DFW->YYZ back in early March and you absolutely DID have to pick up your bag in DFW before going through customs and passport control and then RE-CHECKING it even through it was tagged in HKG to go to YYZ!
Why would this one flight combination be an exception to how it is always done when entering the United States?
Interesting.
This previous thread corroborates my account but suggests that it's a YMMV situation.
Similarly, from
the MIA website:
• International flights connecting to U.S. destinations - claim luggage before clearing U.S. Customs.
• International flights connecting to international destinations (ITI) - confirm with your airline if your luggage was checked directly to your final destination or if you have to collect it before clearing U.S. Customs.
In any event, my experience is that you cannot count on having access to your bags at DFW, connecting HKG-DFW-Canada.
Edited to add: From the AA website:
International to International (ITI) Service
At American Airlines, our goal is to provide a convenient and comfortable flight experience for every customer. With American’s “International to International” service, customers flying through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to another International destination (third country), can continue to their next flight without picking up checked baggage at DFW.
Note: Customers in transit to a third country must still clear US Immigration and Customs upon arrival at DFW.