quick airline transfer question

[trader]

I'm a Canadian and I have a flight to Vegas from Toronto but have to connect in Washington (IAD). I have only 40 minutes between transfers. Do you think I'll have enough time? Both flights are with United Airlines. Do I have to go through customs in Washington, or will that be in Vegas? Or is it in Canada? I have a feeling I need to rebook....

 

[otc]

Originally Posted by trader

I'm a Canadian and I have a flight to Vegas from Toronto but have to connect in Washington (IAD). I have only 40 minutes between transfers. Do you think I'll have enough time? Both flights are with United Airlines. Do I have to go through customs in Washington, or will that be in Vegas? Or is it in Canada? I have a feeling I need to rebook....

If you have to go through customs in the US, it will be at your point of entry (washington).

But...the only time I have flown CA to US, they had US customs in the canadian airport (presumably since like half the flights are to US airports). It was in Vancouver...but I would bet toronto has the same thing.

 

[erdawe]

PM member JetBlast, if he's still active I'd imagine he can tell you a good bit about Dulles.

Personally, I'd want a bit more time than 40 min to be comfortable, more like an hour +. It's a larger airport, but shuttle systems can help you get around effectively.

I'm not sure about the customs question...

 

[JayJay]

40 minutes will be pushing it. If you have carry-on luggage only, then you might make it.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

IAD is a very bad layout in the terminal. Even if you go through Customs on the Canadian side prior to boarding I don't even think your bag, much less your person will make it to the connection at IAD. United has a ton of gates. But, they also have a lot of flights to LAS, so you might be able to keep your original flight and rebook the connection.

 

[unjung]

Pretty sure you'll go through Customs in TO.

 

[dragon8]

Customs is in Toronto.

 

[trader]

Thanks guys. It's been a while since I've flown to the states. I think I'll not check anything in and try to make it in the 40 minutes. If not I'm sure they'll bump me to the next flight... I hope...

 

[globetrotter]

customs in toronto. you should make it without a problem. UA will usually not book you if they don't think you will make it. if they sold you the ticket and you don't make it, they will rebook you