Originally Posted by
Newly Wed
Mr NW is on his first TP run (OTP - PHX via JFK) in the quest to retain GGL. There were huge queues as the transit desk / passport control at OTP and he only made just made it to the gate in time for the return flight through the use of sharp elbows and queue jumping. It was stressful and far from ideal.
There is a potential workaround (as per a link in the Wiki) that worked for me on the same run last year. Unfortunately, I can't remember the exact steps as I was in a hurry!
However, the route after leaving the aircraft headed towards passport control, but I think I turned right and went down a level (towards 'transfers' as per the Wiki link)? There were several of us doing the same thing and we ended up by transfer security at the bottom of the stairs leading UP to the exit side of passport control. We were told to go up and get our passport/boarding passes checked and come back down but, with hindsight, we probably could have gone straight through security as no one seemed to be making sure we were checked. The check wasn't done at a booth - there was an officer or two standing round supervising or waiting to do ad hoc checks.