Originally Posted by SusanDK
I will be flying into IAD for the first time next month, on an SK flight from CPH (wet-lease UA metal), and will connect to UA TED flight to MCO.
What are the arrival and departure terminals? Do we walk between terminals or will there be some transport required? How efficient is customs / immigration clearance and re-checking bags, security clearance, etc. I assume re-checking bags is immediately after claiming them and clearing customs?
We have just under 2 hours for the connection. Any tips or anything we should anticipate?
I fly on a U.S. passport and my husband on a Danish passport, but we've always gone through immigration together at EWR, SEA, MCO. Can we do the same at IAD?
Thanks,
Susan
Unless you've pre-cleared customs before departing CPH, your flight will arrive either at the C/D gates or at a parking spot somewhere on the tarmac (most likely the former if you're on UA metal). In either case, you'll take an immediate
mobile lounge ride to the International Arrivals Building, where you'll clear customs and immigration. From there, you'll enter the main terminal and board another mobile lounge back to the C/D terminals from which Ted flights operate. See this
Dulles terminal map and
.pdf Dulles terminal map.
I'd say two hours should be fine to make your connection, but customs and immigration lines and main terminal security (assuming you have to re-clear) can be a breeze or a nightmare depending on when you arrive (day of the week, time of day), but I wouldn't worry pre-emptively. If timing is a concern for you, ask one of the UA employees at Dulles and they can likely give you tips to help you navigate the process faster.
I'm sure others can speak to some of your other questions.
Enjoy Florida! And take a moment to enjoy Dulles, too -- it's an architectural jewel, even with all the much-maligned construction and confusion!
