Originally Posted by
somedude3210
I leave the secure area virtually every time when connecting in this situation at YVR. I've never had an issue so far.
I think the last time the US border agent asked for my bag tags so they could pull up the luggage we had on his monitor, but that was actually the first time they've asked about checked bags.
The agent does not need to see your bag tags. Bag tag numbers are attached to your file number. When they scan your boarding card, your bag tag numbers come up, along with a picture of your luggage. YVR has a very good system for trans border flights.