Expert: Roberto Gomes - 2/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi there -
We plan on flying from Asia to Toronto Canada connecting via Detroit with Delta (both flights).  We have 90 minutes.  I expect to go through US customs upon arrival, but do we have to pick up our checked baggage as well?  Or will it go straight to Toronto.  I know some US airports consider Toronto "domestic" - does that make things easier?

ANSWER: Dear Doug,

Some US airports had in the past the ITI Program, i.e. the direct transfer of bags from one flight to another. However due to Sep 11 events and according to US Customs this programs remain suspended indefinitely.

But I heard that some airports are trying to reinstate this program, but I couldn't get an official reply. Although your bags will be tagged directly to Toronto, please check with your airline representative when you land in Detroit, if you'll need to collect them to be presented for inspection.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for trying to get an "official" reply - I wouldn't know where to start.  Given that we may still need to pick up our bags in Detroit and then go through customs, would you be concerned we only have 90 minutes for the connection - especially given we are travelling with 2 young kids?  How accomodating will Delta be?

Answer
Dear Doug,

Normally Delta will check you to your final destination, i.e. will produce all the boarding cards and bag tags at your origin point. So in Detroit, you'll need to clear Immigration and Customs. After Customs exit, look for a Delta counter to drop your bags off and go to your connecting gate (always double check the information since gates can change and probably you'll need to go to a different terminal).

Depending on you arrival time, you may face some lines on your way to the connecting gate (since you'll need to be inspected again) and hopefully you'll be on your gate in time. As a precaution, make notes when your plane arrives at the gate, when you leave the customs area, when you place your bags at the drop off zone to be on the 90 minute window. You can use this to show Delta that this connecting window was enough or not to ask for a accommodation on a later flight, because "normally" they will tell you that may be your "fault" to not be in time at the gate.

At the end, please relax since we all know how airports are stressful.

Hope this helps,
Best regards,
R. Gomes