Immigration ? US Citizen flying from China to Los Angeles and then to Phila

[helenk]

I know this is probably a stupid question but the only time I travelled abroad my return flight was direct.
When I return from China I have a layover in California before flying to Philadelphia.
My flight was booked with Air China to LA, from there I fly US Airways home. I booked everything on the Air China website.
My question is, when I get to LA do I need to collect my luggage and go through customs in LA? Or will my luggage go straight to Philadelphia?

 

[Carriemel]

You'll need to collect your luggage at the first point of US entry. This, in your case, would be LAX. Then, you'll re-check your luggage with your on-going airline as a domestic flight (the LAX to PHL leg). Generally, the place of transfer is called a FIS or Federal Inspection Station.

 

[helenk]

You'll need to collect your luggage at the first point of US entry. This, in your case, would be LAX. Then, you'll re-check your luggage with your on-going airline as a domestic flight (the LAX to PHL leg). Generally, the place of transfer is called a FIS or Federal Inspection Station.

Thank you for your reply, in the back of my mind I figured I would have to collect my luggage at my point of first point of arrival, it certainly makes sense.