JPN > USA customs
Sep 2, 2019 | 11:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New York City
Posts: 147
JPN > USA customs
Hey all,
I'm currently sitting in the ANA Lounge after checking in my baggage. I was told by the check-in representative that I would have to do customs in SFO (with baggage pickup??)
Flying J for HND>SFO>EWR on United
I just wanted to clarify what she meant or if I misheard. But should I expect to pick up my check-in luggage before customs... then re-check-in my luggage?
I'm currently sitting in the ANA Lounge after checking in my baggage. I was told by the check-in representative that I would have to do customs in SFO (with baggage pickup??)
Flying J for HND>SFO>EWR on United
I just wanted to clarify what she meant or if I misheard. But should I expect to pick up my check-in luggage before customs... then re-check-in my luggage?
Sep 2, 2019 | 11:22 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,926
I'm currently sitting in the ANA Lounge after checking in my baggage. I was told by the check-in representative that I would have to do customs in SFO (with baggage pickup??)
Flying J for HND>SFO>EWR on United
I just wanted to clarify what she meant or if I misheard. But should I expect to pick up my check-in luggage before customs... then re-check-in my luggage?
Flying J for HND>SFO>EWR on United
I just wanted to clarify what she meant or if I misheard. But should I expect to pick up my check-in luggage before customs... then re-check-in my luggage?
As SFO is your port of entry to USA you do immigration & customs, with all your carry-on & checked bags at SFO. Then to bag drop for SFO-EWR
At a very few airports USA immigration & customs is done at the departure airport (pre clearance)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United...r_preclearance
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/...s/preclearance
Sep 2, 2019 | 11:38 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New York City
Posts: 147
Yes.
As SFO is your port of entry to USA you do immigration & customs, with all your carry-on & checked bags at SFO. Then to bag drop for SFO-EWR
At a very few airports USA immigration & customs is done at the departure airport (pre clearance)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United...r_preclearance
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/...s/preclearance
As SFO is your port of entry to USA you do immigration & customs, with all your carry-on & checked bags at SFO. Then to bag drop for SFO-EWR
At a very few airports USA immigration & customs is done at the departure airport (pre clearance)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United...r_preclearance
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/...s/preclearance
Now that I actually take the time to think about it... that makes perfect sense.
However it's not so convenient with less time to work with for lounge access.
Sep 3, 2019 | 1:22 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,777
If you have GE and are in a premium cabin it can be rather inconvenient. Off the plane and through the GE procedure is under 5 minutes only to have to wait another 5-30 minutes for luggage, drop off bag, go through TSA and then make way to the lounge for a refreshing shower.
Sep 3, 2019 | 7:50 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
If your bags were checked through to EWR as they should have been, you will not be required to recheck them after CBP at SFO. You will simply drop them and not have to wait for them to be processed.
Sep 3, 2019 | 12:39 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,037
Unfortunately, providing connecting passengers with maximum time to use airline lounges is not at the top of the customs folks' priority list when they plan their procedures. I might wish it were otherwise, too.
Sep 4, 2019 | 2:40 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New York City
Posts: 147
So now that I arrived home, I'll post some details.
I made it through the baggage claim, customs, and luggage re-check drop-off.
Baggage claim was pretty quick since it was priority tagged
Customs was easy with GE
Luggage re-check was just a tag scan and then drop onto a conveyor belt
Walked towards Terminal 3 and went into the Polaris Lounge. Spent about ~1hr in there since flight landed a bit early, made the mistake of not going into The Dining Room because there was a waitlist of "15-20 minutes"
I made it through the baggage claim, customs, and luggage re-check drop-off.
Baggage claim was pretty quick since it was priority tagged
Customs was easy with GE
Luggage re-check was just a tag scan and then drop onto a conveyor belt
Walked towards Terminal 3 and went into the Polaris Lounge. Spent about ~1hr in there since flight landed a bit early, made the mistake of not going into The Dining Room because there was a waitlist of "15-20 minutes"