An international itinerary that connects in the United States looks simple on a booking screen: land, change planes, carry on. On the ground there is more to it, and the connection time you need is longer than it looks.
What Happens at Your First US Airport
When you arrive in the US from abroad, you clear US Customs and Border Protection at the first US airport you land at, even if your final destination is another US city. In order:
- Immigration. Passport control, for every traveler.
- Baggage claim. You collect your checked bags, even if they were tagged to your final destination.
- Customs. You take your bags through customs inspection.
- Bag recheck. You drop your bags at a recheck belt for your connecting flight.
- Security. You go through airport security again before you can reach your next gate.
Arriving in Chicago on the way from London to Denver? All of that happens in Chicago. Denver is a domestic arrival.
Why the Connection Needs More Time
Every step above has its own line, and the lines vary with how many international flights land at once. Airlines set longer minimum connection times for international-to-domestic connections for this reason. A connection that is legal to book isn't always comfortable. If your first US stop is a large, busy airport, give yourself more time than the minimum.
The Exception: Preclearance
At some airports outside the US, you clear US immigration and customs before you board. These include major Canadian airports such as Toronto Pearson and Vancouver, Dublin and Shannon in Ireland, and Abu Dhabi, along with several in the Caribbean and Bermuda. You arrive in the US as a domestic passenger, with no immigration line and, on a connection, no bag recheck.
How Other Regions Compare
Other countries have their own rules. Arriving in Europe's Schengen area from outside it, you usually clear passport control at your first Schengen airport, while your bags often travel through to your final destination. Always check the rules for the country where you land first.
How to Plan for It
- Pick the connection, not just the fare. A slightly more expensive itinerary with a longer connection, or a precleared departure, can be the better buy.
- Book on one ticket. If you miss the connection on a single ticket, the airline is responsible for rebooking you. On separate tickets, you are.
- Keep connection essentials in your carry-on. Medication, documents and a change of clothes should never be in the checked bag you hand over twice.
Wayzuno shows connection times and flags separate tickets on every itinerary, so you can see the risk before you book.
