Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - International arrival IAD (BA), transfer domestic (UA)

I've seen a lot on the boards about transferring, immigration, mob scenes etc. at Dulles and the new trains and moon buggies. Can I ask some more specific questions, please?

I'm a seasoned traveller, but not into Dulles, and it sounds like this place is worse than Atlanta even (is that possible?).

We're arriving from London on BA (don't know which terminal). We have a domestic flight then on United (again dk terminal) - it's not technically 'connecting' as they're bought as separate tickets. We have a 2.5 hour layover, and NO bags to check! So, where do we follow for immigration? The 'destination' or the transfer line? Is there more than one option, and how many forms of transport will we need?

Finally, I'm dual national US/UK and I know I have to fly into USA on my US passport, my husband is UK only and has a different last name. We can get into the US passport queue, correct? (I even have a copy of our marriage certificate to prove we're a family!)

Thanks. Some great bits of info on this site!

Welcome to FT!

You'll be arriving at Terminal B. United's mainline flights depart from Terminals C/D (they're connected), and United Express flights depart from Terminal A or Terminals C/D.

Upon arrival, if there's a mobile lounge for transfer, take that -- it will take you to the lower level of the C terminal where US Customs & Immigration has a facility. As far as I'm aware, mobile lounges from Terminal B to the transfer facility only meet LH and maybe SAS and SAA flights, but since I never connect at IAD, I could well be wrong. If you use the transfer facility at C, after after immigration and customs processing and re-screening, you'll take the escalator upstairs and be in the main C terminal. If your flight departs from a C or D gate, you'll walk there. If you depart from an A gate, you'll take an escalator down to the train and go 1 stop.

Most likely, you'll take one of the mobile lounges to the main International Arrivals Building. After being processed there, you'll enter the lower level of IAD's main terminal. Stay on that level and on your right a short-ish walk down you'll see an entrance to the security facility. Take the escalator down, pass through screening, and then look to see your departure gate. If it's A or C, go down one level to the train. If it's D, stay on the same level and follow the signs for the people mover that will take you to the D gates.

And yes, you and your husband can use the US passport lane.

Welcome to FT!

You'll be arriving at Terminal B. United's mainline flights depart from Terminals C/D (they're connected), and United Express flights depart from Terminal A or Terminals C/D.

Upon arrival, if there's a mobile lounge for transfer, take that -- it will take you to the lower level of the C terminal where US Customs & Immigration has a facility. As far as I'm aware, mobile lounges from Terminal B to the transfer facility only meet LH and maybe SAS and SAA flights, but since I never connect at IAD, I could well be wrong. If you use the transfer facility at C, after after immigration and customs processing and re-screening, you'll take the escalator upstairs and be in the main C terminal. If your flight departs from a C or D gate, you'll walk there. If you depart from an A gate, you'll take an escalator down to the train and go 1 stop.

Most likely, you'll take one of the mobile lounges to the main International Arrivals Building. After being processed there, you'll enter the lower level of IAD's main terminal. Stay on that level and on your right a short-ish walk down you'll see an entrance to the security facility. Take the escalator down, pass through screening, and then look to see your departure gate. If it's A or C, go down one level to the train. If it's D, stay on the same level and follow the signs for the people mover that will take you to the D gates.

And yes, you and your husband can use the US passport lane.

The second paragraph (about "transfers") doesn't apply to any non-Star Alliance international arrival. OP is arriving on BA. All passengers from non-Star Alliance international arrivals are transported via mobile lounges to the IAB facility in the Main Terminal.

As mentioned, both of you can stay together in the line for US Citizens through Passport Control. After Passport Control: collect your checked bags from the carousel (there are free baggage carts); follow the EXIT signs to where you will surrender the blue US Customs form; go through an automatic door into the baggage re-check area (ongoing construction there makes it look dark and temporary - sorry) where, even though you have no bags to check, you should be able to get your UA boarding passes if you don't already have them. Then exit into the domestic arrivals area and follow the signs "To All Gates" to go through TSA security, and on to your gate.

Feel free to PM me if you have other specific questions.

Try and get off the plane ASAP to get onto the first mobile lounge and then stand near the doors. You might have worked that bit out already...