Originally Posted by
172pilot
I've done this a couple of times at T3. You checkin and get your bag tagged. You take the bag to a conveyor where you scan your BP and then place the bag on the conveyor. It scans your bag and it enters the system.
You now go through security as normal. Nexus, priority, etc. After you clear security there is a computer station where you scan your BP and enter the number of checked bags. I assume this check is to let the system know that you are through security and ready for CBP. I also assume that they can't release the bags until this check?
You then proceed to US customs and immigration. GE terminals and everything else is the same as before except you're not lugging a suit case. You clear immigration (or GE) and then proceed to customs. You hand your paper slip to the customs officer.
I have always just proceeded to the gate but I assume that at this point if they want to search your bag, they can scan your BP, and the system will automatically bring your bags. The same would be true if you were rejected by immigration.
I'm not sure if the bags are automatically released to the airline if you're not stopped or if there is a time limit but they do magically get there
Altogether a much better system as no one is dragging bags through customs.
This change was implemented at YVR a year or two ago, with the important distinction that once you check your bag you don't have to do anything more about it. You go through security then CBP as normal. I assume that if they want to look at your bag they can call for it, but there is no other bag-related hassle. With Nexus and GE I've never had to queue more than a couple of minutes.
I have had no issues with the process (except for the one time Mrs. Sopwith had renewed her passport and forgot to update Nexus. Don't do it!)