Question for those that travel: clearing customs

[heygrey]

I'm traveling tomorrow from the states to Canada. I have two connections - a 32 minute layover in Detroit and an hour and a half in Toronto where I clear customs. I'm skeptical about making the connection in Detroit myself since I have an infant and will need to get my stroller at the gate. I'm more skeptical about any checked luggage making the transition. So what happens if I check a bag and it doesn't show up in Toronto? Is it going to cause any problems with customs? Surely they've dealt with this before, but it's making me anxious. 

And, yes, I'm seriously questioning my original decision to book flights with only a half hour layover

[jerseyjaybird]

Are both flights on the same airline? I'd think that that would increase the likelihood of your luggage making the connection.

I also think, but am not positive, that post-9/11 security measures include trying to keep passengers and bags from being separated. I mean, they locate and pull checked luggage off of a connection if you fail to scan your boarding pass. So I'd actually be somewhat optimistic.

[audette]

You report the missing bag to customs. Not the dude at passport control, he doesn't care about what you are bringing in, but after passport control, there should be a baggage carousel, and that's where you'd wait to grab your bag, go thru customs with it, and re-check it with your airline after customs. It's that second stage where they may care. Mostly, it comes up when they look at your form, and they see you without a checked bag, and ask about it. I _think_ you might have to report the missing bag to an airline employee before you leave the baggage carousel area.

[heygrey]

Oct 22, 2014 15:58:48 GMT -5 jerseyjaybird said:

Are both flights on the same airline? I'd think that that would increase the likelihood of your luggage making the connection.

I also think, but am not positive, that post-9/11 security measures include trying to keep passengers and bags from being separated. I mean, they locate and pull checked luggage off of a connection if you fail to scan your boarding pass. So I'd actually be somewhat optimistic.

They are both on delta and both in terminal A in Detroit, so there probably is a good chance we and our luggage will make it. I am rarely anxious about flying, but this trip is doing me in. 

[jerseyjaybird]

Oct 22, 2014 16:06:54 GMT -5 heygrey said:

Oct 22, 2014 15:58:48 GMT -5 jerseyjaybird said:

Are both flights on the same airline? I'd think that that would increase the likelihood of your luggage making the connection.

I also think, but am not positive, that post-9/11 security measures include trying to keep passengers and bags from being separated. I mean, they locate and pull checked luggage off of a connection if you fail to scan your boarding pass. So I'd actually be somewhat optimistic.

They are both on delta and both in terminal A in Detroit, so there probably is a good chance we and our luggage will make it. I am rarely anxious about flying, but this trip is doing me in. 

I've flown Delta internationally through Detroit with a 30-minute connection and been fine. Hopefully you will be, too! If not, they'll have a process.

[Deleted]

Oct 22, 2014 16:06:54 GMT -5 heygrey said:

Oct 22, 2014 15:58:48 GMT -5 jerseyjaybird said:

Are both flights on the same airline? I'd think that that would increase the likelihood of your luggage making the connection.

I also think, but am not positive, that post-9/11 security measures include trying to keep passengers and bags from being separated. I mean, they locate and pull checked luggage off of a connection if you fail to scan your boarding pass. So I'd actually be somewhat optimistic.

They are both on delta and both in terminal A in Detroit, so there probably is a good chance we and our luggage will make it. I am rarely anxious about flying, but this trip is doing me in. 

On the plus side Delta is pretty much the only airline that is in terminal A so you won't have as big of a crowd to get through and your connecting flight will be decently close.

[msmerymac]

The only times I've had trouble with my bags are when I've been bumped because of a missed connection, actually. But I think you'll make your connection.

[moolarkey]

With Detroit, both being in the same terminal is a big plus.

[frlcb]

I think you will be fine, but I also have had bags not make it internationally even though we have been on the plane. It has not been an issue at customs - you go through passport control before you get bags and then generally speaking no one cares if you walk out with a suitcase or not.

[heliocentric]

I once had my bag get lost on the way to Vancouver and it was no different than within the U.S. I reported it lost and it was dropped off at my hotel later.

I just cleared immigration and customs in Toronto yesterday. The airline baggage desks are in the arrivals hall after immigration so you would report it there. When you hand in the arrival form they don't check your bags so I imagine they assume you have nothing to declare and don't do anything differently than if your bag was with you.