YYC Immigration
 

Earlier this year, I flew SFO-YYC-YVR-.... The first leg was operated by UA, the second one by AC(x). Because the carriers were different, I had to claim my suitcase in YYC and recheck it.

Later this month, I'll be flying from Japan via SFO to YYC with UA, again connecting to AC. Will I still get to claim my suitcase in YYC and recheck it? Or has this changed?

This time, I would actually like to have access to my suitcase.

If you are flying NRT-(UA)-SFO-(AC)-YYC, why would you re-check in YYC? Something is not right.

Because I'm connecting in YYC from UA to AC.

United doesn't fly NRT-YYC..... are you sure it's not a codeshare? What is your exact routing?

Both AC and UA are members of the same alliance which have interlining agreements that cover baggage transfers, so it shouldn't have been a problem to have bags checked through. I believe your bags needed to be re-checked because you arrived at your first port of entry to Canada which was YYC.

Assuming your final destination is YVR or YYJ, I believe you have to do the same thing on your next flight.

UA does not fly NRT-YYC. Something is wrong with this narrative.

I believe the OP is connecting in SFO and then again in YYC.

After reading this five times and looking at OP's home airport in OP's profile I am guessing that OP is flying UA NRT-SFO-YYC and connecting (possibly on separate ticket) to YYC-YYJ on AC.

If that is the case, everyone with checked luggage will have to pick it up to take it through customs and then have a choice of what to do with it. If already tagged, simply put on the belt after getting whatever is needed, or possibly recheck at checkin counter, or even leave in Calgary if that's what OP wants to do.

As I said "Japan via SFO to YYC with UA, again connecting to AC". Like the mentioned earlier trip, I will connect from in YYC from UA to AC. I should have mentioned that it is all on one ticket.

Thank you very much, that is what I wanted to know. :-)

Indeed I had to pick up the luggage and recheck it, both in SFO and in YYC.