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Europe to US via Canada (YYZ or YUL) question

Posted by (San Francisco Bay Area (USA)) on

I’ve never had a layover in Canada returning from Europe.
For those who have experience on layover at YYZ or YUL.
1. What is the average time necessary for a layover to US at YUL or YYZ?
2. Where is the US immigration processed in that case? Canada or US? Last time I flew to YYZ I think it was in Canada.
3. In case of US immigration done in Canada, Is the checked luggage retrieved at the port of entry (in YYZ or YUL) and then rechecked (like when flying via a US hub) or is the checked luggage going through all the way to the final US destination without needing to retrieve in Canada?
4. Between YYZ and YUL do you have a preference for a layover?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
1443 posts

I can answer one question here- at YUL/Montreal, you go through US immigration before boarding the plane for the US.

Posted by
956 posts

Cat is correct about pre-clearance.
Between the two airports I would choose Montreal (YUL) over Pearson Toronto as it is smaller and not as busy.

Posted by
1193 posts

Flew last year through YYZ from SFO to Lisbon.

  • Average time for layover: would have minimum 2 hours. Our flight from SFO was over two hour late and we needed the 3 hours layover we had in Toronto.
  • US immigration is processed in Toronto
  • Didn’t check luggage, so don’t know if you have to retrieve
  • Personally, I have had layovers in both. I choose the one with the most options to fly to my destination in case there is a delay and that is typically Toronto.

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