Welcome to FT and the DL forum,
wickersj.
Originally Posted by
wickersj
Here are my questions for the flights to Europe (DFW-ATL-FCO):
1. At what point do our passports get checked?
You'll need to present them to the ticket agent in DFW when you check in. If you check in at a kiosk, you'll be prompted to swipe your passport, but this only works sporadically for me. I always prefer to check in with a live human when traveling internationally.
You MAY need to show your passport when you board the plane in ATL.
You'll need to show your passport again at immigration after arrival in FCO.
Originally Posted by
wickersj
2. Do we have to go through security at ATL or just at DFW?
Because you'll clear TSA in DFW, you do not have to go through security at ATL. You'll arrive and take train to E concourse where all international flights depart. From time to time, there is a random security check during boarding of international flights, but you will not have to pass through any 'formal' check points in ATL on your outbound flight. You will on your return. See below.
Originally Posted by
wickersj
3. Will we go through customs before leaving the US or is this something you only have to do when you arrive after an international flight?
You will clear Italian customs and immigration when you land in Rome. You will clear US customs and immigration on your return when you land in ATL, NOT DFW. This can be confusing for first time international traveler. Once you clear customs in ATL, you WILL have to clear TSA before connecting to your DFW flight. This is because there is no 'TSA' in Italy and before you fly domestically again, you have to be screened.
Enjoy your trip.