1st international flight

[AZlady]

This may sound silly~ but I am flying from Costa Rica(LIR) to Texas to Phoenix. I have a 1 hr & 30 minute layover. Is that enough time? Do I go through customs? What should I know......THANK YOU!!

 

[lovetotravel]

This may sound silly~ but I am flying from Costa Rica(LIR) to Texas to Phoenix. I have a 1 hr & 30 minute layover. Is that enough time? Do I go through customs? What should I know......THANK YOU!!

It depends! For instance, the customs and security checkpoint lines can be long or you may be delayed. It could work but you are taking a big risk. Personally, I like about 3 hours for a connection in case of delays, etc.

 

[carpenta]

It depends! For instance, the customs and security checkpoint lines can be long or you may be delayed. It could work but you are taking a big risk. Personally, I like about 3 hours for a connection in case of delays, etc.

I also like 3 hours minimum for one never knows how fast or slow lines flow in the airport.

 

[AZlady]

oops! I have already booked my flight.
I wonder if I can change it...eeek!
(Newbie issues!!)

 

[sayhello]

oops! I have already booked my flight.
I wonder if I can change it...eeek!
(Newbie issues!!)

When did you book the flights? If it's been less than 24 hours, you should be able to change it with no fee. If it's been more than 24 hours it could cost you $150 to $200 per ticket to change them, perhaps even more depending on the airline.

Sayhello

 

[Rebekkap]

Are both flights with the same airline and on the same booking? If so, you don't have a problem. They let you book them that close together, if you miss the second flight it's their fault and they'll just put you on the next flight.

 

[AZlady]

I just called United.
They stated that my 90 minutes in Houston is fine and I don't go through customs in Houston.
( I do customs in Costa Rica)....I need the extra time 2-3 hours before that departure.
Newbie issues

 

[Cousin Orville]

I just called United.
They stated that my 90 minutes in Houston is fine and I don't go through customs in Houston.
( I do customs in Costa Rica)....I need the extra time 2-3 hours before that departure.
Newbie issues

When flying international, I normally fly direct into Houston as my final destination, so I'm not as familiar with flying in internationally and changing to a domestic flight. However, I would call and make sure you do not have to collect and recheck your bags or go through passport control. I would be surprised if you didn't.

Normally when you fly into the US, you go through immigration/passport control, pick up your bags, go through customs, check your luggage for your next flight and go through security.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I just called United.
They stated that my 90 minutes in Houston is fine and I don't go through customs in Houston.
( I do customs in Costa Rica)....I need the extra time 2-3 hours before that departure.
Newbie issues

Are you sure this is correct? Costa Rica is not a preclearance location:

http://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/preclearance/preclear-locations

Double check; never trust an airline phone rep.

If you don't have Global Entry, a 90 minute layover would be too short for me.

 

[Bobo912]

I just called United.
They stated that my 90 minutes in Houston is fine and I don't go through customs in Houston.
( I do customs in Costa Rica)....I need the extra time 2-3 hours before that departure.
Newbie issues

When we returned from Costa Rica I had to do exactly what Cousin Orville described

Normally when you fly into the US, you go through immigration/passport control, pick up your bags, go through customs, check your luggage for your next flight and go through security.

I've also had layovers as short or shorter than yours and had no issue. Just depends on the lines at immigration and customs. Even if you book your flight to leave plenty of time, the airlines frequently change their schedules and ruin all your plans.

 

[Cousin Orville]

Even if you book your flight to leave plenty of time, the airlines frequently change their schedules and ruin all your plans.

Isn't that the truth!

 

[MinnieGarden]

Houston IAH is our home airport and we have been through customs several times. Honestly, it's a a gamble. There are now more international flights than ever out of that airport and customs hasn't quite been able to keep up. When we flew home from Germany ABD last year, there were tons of people around us who were literally missing connecting flights because the line for customs was an hour. Then they had to claim bags and recheck them.

 

[k5jm]

Two words, Global Entry!

But, I will miss standing in the customs line at IAH and listening to music from illuminations that is blaring from overhead (it is in the video playing in the passport line).

 

[calypso726]

At this juncture changing your flight might cost you more than getting Global Entry and that will last you for 5 years. We did it last year and were so glad. The line coming back in was horrendous. We just walked up to the kiosk and were done in seconds. Totally worth it!

 

[AZlady]

At this juncture changing your flight might cost you more than getting Global Entry and that will last you for 5 years. We did it last year and were so glad. The line coming back in was horrendous. We just walked up to the kiosk and were done in seconds. Totally worth it!

Looks like something else I need to look up! I have no idea what that is!!
I guess I took my worry-free AbD vacation to heart and didn't look up some important details!!

 

[Bobo912]

Looks like something else I need to look up! I have no idea what that is!!
I guess I took my worry-free AbD vacation to heart and didn't look up some important details!!

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

 

[calypso726]

Looks like something else I need to look up! I have no idea what that is!!
I guess I took my worry-free AbD vacation to heart and didn't look up some important details!!

Global Entry is like having a Fastpass through customs once you are back in the US. It will make things a bit more worry free before and after you are in ABD's hands. After we did, it I found we were also getting TSA pre checked on our flights too. That is kind of like a Fastpass through security.

If you happen to have the American Express Platinum card and pay for the Global Entry application with the card, the charge will be credited on your statement.

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

You beat me to it

 

[Cousin Orville]

Global Entry is like having a Fastpass through customs once you are back in the US. It will make things a bit more worry free before and after you are in ABD's hands. After we did, it I found we were also getting TSA pre checked on our flights too. That is kind of like a Fastpass through security.

If you happen to have the American Express Platinum card and pay for the Global Entry application with the card, the charge will be credited on your statement.



You beat me to it

An immigration/customs fastpast is a great way to describe it. As a minor point, plat Amex pays the $100 fee for each cardholder. For example, DH can pay for his global entry application on his card. DW can pay for hers on her card. But if children are too young to hold a card (there is an official age limit) theirs will likely have to be paid out of pocket. It's well worth it for us.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are a United Airlines Global Services, 1K or Platinum frequent flyer, UA gives you a credit card number to pay the Global Entry fees. Keep in mind that if you're GE, you will also get TSA Pre check.

 

[AZlady]

Ok....you guys are so helpful! Please forgive my ignorance!!
I have applied for my passport, but don't have it yet.... Can I start the GE process anyway?
We leave mid July, do I have time to do this?
TSA pre screen is a good thing?

Thank you!!