flying indirect and immigration

[karentan]

it looks like we're going to be flying indirectly this time via atlanta. i know i have to clear immigration in atlanta, but what is the procedure?!? can someone who's done it before talk me through it?
wen we flew direct we collected our luggage after immigration at MCO, went through the screening process, then put it back on the conveyor and collected it later.
when going indirect do i need to pick up my luggage then check it into the connecting flight? or do i just go through immigration at atlanta and meet my luggage in orlando?
thanks in advance

 

[Lizzybear]

Once you're off the plane you proceed to immigration and once cleared you pick up your luggage, make your way to the Orlando terminal if it isn't the one you're already in, then drop it off again (this should all be sign-posted, it was in Newark and people do connecting flights all the time so any staff member should be able to help you if need be) and then go through security, after which you're free to kill time in the departure lounge In Orlando you proceed as a domestic passenger, no need to go through immigration again or anything like that (everyone else will be doing the same so just follow the crowd!) As mentioned you do have to pick up and drop off your luggage yourself on the way there, though not on the way back.

 

[gbrchill]

It is relatively painless, as LizzyBear says. The general process is that you have to pass through customs and immigration formalities at your first port of entry. This will involve you having to pick up your checked baggage and pass through the customs check (and agriculture inspection point). The immigration bit may be before or after you have picked up your checked baggage.

Once you have "landed" in the US (made it through the customs and immigration check) your onward flights are internal ones. Depending on your airline they will probably check your baggage through to your final destination (and issue your boarding pass) when you check in for the first flight. In this case you can drop your bags at the recheck belt just after your have made it through the checks. You can now proceed to the terminal and gate for your onward flight - this will involve a security screening check to get airside again.

If you are not checked in for your onward flight then you will need to make your way to the airline's check in area and go through that formality and drop your bags there before going to the gate.

Don't panic it is all really easy and usually well signposted. If in doubt just ask.

Chris