I'm flying out of YYZ at 11a Sunday to DTW (DL, T3), and I was wondering what to expect as far as US preclearance goes (I'm a US passport holder). I'm KL Silver Elite, so I know that means the Sky Priority lanes for check-in (I'll be checking a bag) and boarding, but what about security and preclearance? Delta says I should show up three hours in advance, but they also say I should be at LGA two hours in advance, even though I regularly manage to check bags and get through security in 15 minutes there when it's busy, 5 when it's not. So what's a more realistic estimate? I'm fine with missing preboarding, as long as I don't miss boarding altogether. Thanks!

YYZ preclearance is a breeze.. I really enjoy it honestly (especially at T1). You don't need to show up three hours earlier.

I know DL operates out of T3, which can get a bit busy at times... Since your a US citizen though, the lines move faster.. I say maximum an hour and a half is the earliest you should arrive.

You check in at your airline and get your checked luggage tagged and receive a US Customs Declaration form to complete. You then go to the Preclearance Area (in T1 at YYZ it's marked by American flags on overhead signs; not sure about T3) and go through immigration and customs. After you pass the customs checkpoint, you drop off your checked luggage (make sure it has been tagged correctly!), go through security and go to your gate. Barring something unforseen, you will then arrive in the U.S. as a domestic passenger.

Note that there will probably be far fewer stores and other things to kill the time once you pass preclearance. Since you've been through customs already, they can't have you buying stuff that will risk exceeding customs allowances.

As for how much time to allow, I'd say check-in for your flight at least 2 hours early, though you may be able to get away with less if you go at an off-peak time (Monday-Thursday afternoon and evening, Saturday night, etc.).

Yes, definitely less stores once you pass preclearance.. If you'd fly T1, you can go to the Maple Leaf Lounge.. Technically your entitled to a lounge if you have Sky Priority with Delta... But.. The only SkyTeam lounge at T3 is the KLM lounge, and that's not at the US departures area.

There is no express lane for American at US CBP preclearance they have to line up along with all aliens. Since most people in line are American or Canadian it should move relatively fast.

You need to be Skyteam elite plus (KL equivalent) to get DL Sky Priority privileges.

There is no DL Skyclub for US bound passengers, only KL Crown Room for Intl passengers.

DL YYZ DTW are all on CRJ single cabin regional jets. Larger carryons which is OK for the larger jets will need to be gate checked.

Sunday morning should not be a busy time for US preclearance at YYZ T3 (DL). Two hours should be OK. The reason why all the US bound flight are posted as three hours is that it could take that long at busy times: Mon am and Thurs/Fri pm.

There is no Skyclub for DL US bound passengers. Intl passenger use KL Crown room. All DL TATL flight out of YYZ are code shared with KL/AF.

Sky Priority is for DL Gold or above or SkyTeam Elite + (KL equivalent); so plan on extra time for checking in.

DL YYZ DTW flights are all CRJ regional jets which has smaller carry-on space than larger planes. If you have a large carry-on be prepared to gate-check it.

Yes there is a special lane for US citizens, and another one for Canadians/other nationalities.

Are you sure at T3? There is one Nexus lane and one general lane last week.

Lol I meant to reply to you much earlier... You are right there is no special lane for American citizens at T3.

This is an old thread, but I have a similar question regarding Pre-Clearance from T3. I am advised to arrive 3hrs before departure before my AAEagle flight to JFK departing 13:15 on Tuesday.

As a non-US citizen with checked-bags, what time should I arrive at the airport? I was thinking 2h30 before is ok, but would appreciate advice.

Tuesday afternoon 2 hour should be fine.

Ok, good to know. Thanks.