Where is customs delay in a multi-leg trip?
Dec 19, 2007, 3:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: CLE
Posts: 14
Where is customs delay in a multi-leg trip?
I haven't flown internationally for a couple years, and things seem to be changing.
My son is flying from Cleveland to Newark to Athens. I thought he would go to Cleveland 2 hours early because it was an international flight, and then the rest of his connections would be relatively short.
But there was a schedule change which left only 30 minutes to connect in Newark. When I called the online travel company (Vayama) to say that was too short and too risky to miss the once a day flight to Athens, they told me that he really should spend several hours in Newark because he would have to go through customs.
Is that right? I only remember customs at the beginning and end.
My son is flying from Cleveland to Newark to Athens. I thought he would go to Cleveland 2 hours early because it was an international flight, and then the rest of his connections would be relatively short.
But there was a schedule change which left only 30 minutes to connect in Newark. When I called the online travel company (Vayama) to say that was too short and too risky to miss the once a day flight to Athens, they told me that he really should spend several hours in Newark because he would have to go through customs.
Is that right? I only remember customs at the beginning and end.
Dec 19, 2007, 3:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,551
You do not go through US customs leaving the US. Only coming back at your first point of entry (in the majority of cases). 3 hours is not needed out bound at EWR.
30 minutes at EWR is tight though, even for a normal connection.
Ciao,
FH
30 minutes at EWR is tight though, even for a normal connection.
Ciao,
FH
Dec 21, 2007, 7:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1
Customs no, Passport Control yes
You don't necessarily need to go through US Customs, but you would need to clear US Immigration / Passport Control when exiting the country. It is also possible to be randomly stopped by US Customs when exiting the country although this is rare (however it did happen to me in Boston once right after 9/11).
I'm assuming that this is on Continental and considering that they have plenty of flights from Cleveland-Newark you should definitely change this so that there's a longer connection. Also keep in mind that weather or mechanical delays could pose a problem with such a short connection in Newark.
I'm assuming that this is on Continental and considering that they have plenty of flights from Cleveland-Newark you should definitely change this so that there's a longer connection. Also keep in mind that weather or mechanical delays could pose a problem with such a short connection in Newark.
Dec 21, 2007, 9:36 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 209
I think the passport control you are refering to is when the GA rechecks your boarding pass/passport during the boarding process. It does not really delay the normal boarding process. It is done by airline employees and not US Immigration. You will be asked to show your passport when you check in at the first airport(airline employee also). I think the USA is one of the few countries that does not have a exit immigration process to see if foriegners over stay their visa.
If you are visiting the USA with a Form I-94 you still need to return it to the airline employee when you leave the country. http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs...rial_0525.shtm
As far as random exit customs checks, I have seen this happen only twice in my 70 or so foriegn trips. They will likely be standing on the jetway just before boarding the plan. Standard question that I was asked "How much money are you traveling with?"
Dec 21, 2007, 9:53 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,145
Canada as well
You also do not go through Canadian passport control stations (as they are not set up) when departing for an international destination (including U.S.) from a Canadian airport. Although I also have heard random checks near departure gates by customs officials as well though I myself have not experienced it yet.