Naive question re indirect flights

[phil36]

I've only ever flown direct before. This may be a stupid question, but if I fly to MCO via, say, JFK, Atlanta, Miami etc, is checked baggage transferred, and do you go through immigration etc at the final destination, or at the first stop?

[stanleycamel]

You go through immigration at the first point of entry into the USA - then pick up your bags and use a transfer point to drop them off then go to your next gate for the flight to MCO and get off as a domestic passenger when you arrive.

[A&S&O]

And when you return to the UK, you drop bags off at MCO, then don't see them again until you arrive in the UK.

[7SeasSailor]

My experience is that at the first stop you will pick up your baggage and, pass through immigration and customs. You will walk a couple of steps and there will be a couple of baggage handlers stood by a conveyor belt who will relieve you of them. You see them again at your final destination where you step into the airport as domestic passengers.

[TigerCub]

Was just wondering this today too! So on arrival in US you go through customs and pick up bag then drop it off again for domestic flight?
And on way home you drop bag off at mco before boarding the domestic flight but don't have to collect it again to transfer to flight to UK?

[Markpc2013]

Originally Posted by TigerCub

Was just wondering this today too! So on arrival in US you go through customs and pick up bag then drop it off again for domestic flight?
And on way home you drop bag off at mco before boarding the domestic flight but don't have to collect it again to transfer to flight to UK?

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Correct…it’s honestly v easy 😁

[folkie]

This is why it's important to choose your first airport in the US carefully (if you have a decent choice of course). At Dulles we were through customs and immigration and at the gate for our next flight within 40 minutes of landing, but at Chicago O'Hare on our way to LAX the same process took over 3 1/2 hours.
The great part is when you land at your final destination, collect your luggage and just walk straight out - it's brilliant!

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by TigerCub

Was just wondering this today too! So on arrival in US you go through customs and pick up bag then drop it off again for domestic flight?
And on way home you drop bag off at mco before boarding the domestic flight but don't have to collect it again to transfer to flight to UK?

See more...

Not quite TC, whilst my indirect flights via various US PoE (port of entry) is generally as follows, I'll specifically use procedures upon Atlanta arrival:

Disembark aircraft and follow/speed walk with the madding crowd to the immigration hall, clear US immigration, thro into the baggage arrival area, collect your luggage (may be lined up on the floor if international arrivals is busy). Exit the hall past Customs officers, short walk, turn left. On your left you'll see the luggage return area where lads/lasses take your luggage to be placed on your next flight.

After re-presenting your luggage continue onwards to clear Atlanta security, then follow signs for the Plane Train whilst looking for the wall of departure screens with terminal/gate info for your onward flight. Take the down escalator and hop on but be quick as the beggar moves fast, either grab one of the window seats or hang on tightly to the poles especially if you have young bairns. Plane Train runs every 2 mins, so no sweat if you miss one.

Upon return, hoy your luggage in at MCO, you won't see that sucker again until the UK Transitting on the way home is much easier, off one aircraft and head to the international terminal - pre-covid we were content with circa 2 hours to clear immigration, Customs et al., and 60 mins between flights homeward bound, not knowing what's now involved I wouldn't be comfortable with those times.

Depending on your route all US airport websites have helpful info and photos to assist transitting, plus Dibbers hold a huge amount of helpful knowledge they're only too happy to share, no question is stupid, just ask away

[duchy]

Originally Posted by folkie

This is why it's important to choose your first airport in the US carefully (if you have a decent choice of course). At Dulles we were through customs and immigration and at the gate for our next flight within 40 minutes of landing, but at Chicago O'Hare on our way to LAX the same process took over 3 1/2 hours.
The great part is when you land at your final destination, collect your luggage and just walk straight out - it's brilliant!

See more...

It’s pretty random , I’ve used Chicago many times (I think it’s between eight and ten) as first point of entry and all but one time got through incredibly quickly. Dulles OTOH lost my luggage the one time I checked a bag there

[Jimsdadhalifax]

We missed a connection in Philly (security was incredibly slow) despite having a 2 hour window but most of the time 2 hours is enough for the flight out. It is easy, but very stressful if you get stuck in a slow moving security queue and your flight is due. It was very easy to get on another flight though and we were only delayed by a couple of hours.

The one back is much easier. Literally get off your plane and walk to a different gate.

I wouldn't ever do a flight out without at least 2 hours. Some airlines seem to think 75 mins is enough but that seems unrealistic to me