Originally Posted by
DrunkCargo
The advantage: You didn't have to claim your bag and carry it through.
Oh? You didn't check in a bag? Then I agree, probably zero advantage to the old system of leave airside and enter again, except a slightly shorter walk compared to truly re-entering, and probably still a shorter walk and access to a bigger farm of GE kiosks vs. the old 2 using the connection-entrance to preclearance.
Domestic passengers connecting to US at YYZ haven't had to collect checked bags for some time now. However, now we have to walk twice as far, through a secure area, only to end up mixing with the passengers originating at YYZ at US customs, and then going though security again.
I don't understand why they have done this. What is the benefit of remaining in a secure zone up to the point of going through customs, versus the old method of exiting the sterile area, and taking a much shorter walk to US Customs?