Flying from Canada to Australia w/ Stop in US (Baggage claim question)

I leave Toronto INT Terminal to LAX - switching terminals to Tom Bradley INT terminal then on to Sydney Australia from there.

Questions: Do I need to claim my baggage in LAX because I'm switching terminals, re-enter security and still have time to make it to my next terminal? (2hours)

Best Answer

You'll almost certainly clear US customs in Canada before getting on your flight, as Toronto Pearson has a US pre-clearance facility. So assuming your flight is a single booking you won't need to recheck.

Quoting the Toronto Pearson website on the matter (emphasis mine):

For the majority of U.S. flights, guests leaving Toronto will go through U.S. Customs in Toronto, which allows you to arrive in the United States as a domestic passenger.

I once had a layover in Miami going to South America from Canada and didn't have to redo security and immigration in the US.

Pictures about "Flying from Canada to Australia w/ Stop in US (Baggage claim question)"

Flying from Canada to Australia w/ Stop in US (Baggage claim question) - Splashing Niagara Falls and yacht sailing on river

Flying from Canada to Australia w/ Stop in US (Baggage claim question) - Aerial Photography of Buildings

Flying from Canada to Australia w/ Stop in US (Baggage claim question) - Ethnic doctor with smartphone against urban bus

Do you go through customs before or after baggage claim?

To get your baggage: After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect your bags. If you are on an international flight connecting to a U.S. destination, make sure you claim your baggage before going through U.S. Customs.

How do I know what baggage claim to go to?

If you are not sure where to go, ask one of your airline's agents, or look for a baggage carousel board that lists which carousel will have your flight's bags. Even if you are the last person out out of a crowded plane, you should be able to get to the baggage claim area ahead of your bags.

Are airlines liable for lost luggage?

Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for international travel), airlines are required to compensate passengers if their bags are damaged, delayed, or lost.

Lost luggage: What happens to your baggage after check-in

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Karolina Grabowska, Ryutaro Tsukata, Andre Furtado, Laura James