Originally Posted by playboy

some of the posts answered my question but i wanted to make sure that i have the customs and immigration thing down in the proper order.

In dec i'm flying co from ams to ewr with checked luggage.

1) once i exit the plane at ewr i get in line for customs and immigration.

2) while i'm waiting in the immigration line my bag comes off the plane and is waiting for me on the other side of customs. it will be on the moving belt the other side of "immigration." it may be waiting for you or you may have to wait for it if you got through immigration quickly.
3) once i clear customs i retrieve my bag at the baggage turnstile and head You retrieve your bag off the moving belt before customs, then hand the customs declaration form to the customs officer.[/b]
is the baggage turnstile in clear sight of customs? i believe customs is on another floor from the moving belt (down an escalator). Not sure though. is the co check-in counter on the same level or do i have to go up or down to check the bag? After you exit the space with customs, you are entering the land (usa) side of the terminal. There's usually a crowd of taxi drivers with signs standing there along with people meeting friends and family. There is a drop-off desk on the same floor (near where you exit) to recheck your luggage.
4) then to departures and go thru security and wait for my outbound flight. yes

is that correct? relax. Just follow the crowd though immigration, baggage pickkup at the moving belt, and customs. Then look for the bag drop off.thanks,