Yes. The 2-hour check-in advice applies to the first flight taken on the international itinerary, even if it's a domestic connection to the int'l gateway. It's at this first check-in where they'll tag your checked bag to the final destination and more importantly where they'll scan your passport and check any other required travel documents (which it sounds like doesn't apply to you), so that's where they want the extra time if necessary.
That's in theory. In practice, the cut-off time is just like for a domestic flight. I've always treated first segments as domestic flights and haven't had problems. So, depending on how busy your airport is, you should schedule accordingly.
KNRG
May 12, 2008 4:38 pm
Originally Posted by EWR ATC Hold
(Post 9710808)
I think you just hit a bad day. EWR's inbound customs and immigration is usually one of the quickest one's I've been through. 15-20 minutes to get through immigration, pick up my bag (if I'm carrying one) and to walk out the front door. I've never (in over 15 inbound international flights last year) had it take more than 30 minutes.
I think i've had obscenely horrible luck with EWR. Outbound i spent 4 hours on the taxiway, having to get out of line to refuel, and then by the grace of god having air traffic control allow us to get back in line in the top ten rather then having to goto the back.
