Originally Posted by FlyahDrone
Related question...
What's the procedure when flying out of YVR and connecting to USA via YYZ on AC?
As a US citizen, would I have to go through Customs at YVR first, or is the departure considered "domestic" and the actual transborder from YYZ to the USA at T2 is the only Customs and Immigration point?
I suppose there is no such thing as being pre-cleared in YVR. The long line reputation at Pearson isn't something to look forward to with a tight 1hr connection on top of any possible delays getting into Toronto.
Also, can I get receipts for the GST refund stamped in YVR or do I have to wait until YYZ?
Thank you.
No customs or anything out of YVR. The only thing done at YVR is that they will put a powder-blue tag on your check-in bag that says "USA via YYZ." You'll claim your bag at YYZ and go through Customs at YYZ. Your one-hour connection is a problem, because I think you're going from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at YYZ. And when I flew YOW to YYZ last year, it took about 45 minutes to get my checked bag back.
The good news is that the Air Canada folks, who manages the line prior to entering Customs, solicits for passengers for flights close to departure time and they will put you at the front of the line if you're on that flight.
You will also go through security again, but (thankfully) it is not TSA stuff. You get wanded only if you beep. No shoe carnival unless your shoes beep during wanding. And YYZ got rid of the secondary security gate-checks for US-bound flights about six months ago.
It might behoove you to grab a US Customs Declaration card at YVR and fill it out on your YYZ-bound flight. Might save you a few minutes.
Oh, one final thing....do NOT act rushed or impatient when you go through ICE, you're more likely to get taken aside for further inspection. Just take a deep breath and act calmly, even if you have a tight connection.
Good luck.