Flight isn't nonstop... Problem?

[Sergi9 110]

Typically I used to leave about hour and a half connection at most airports. Give than you will probably have to go thru the non-immigrant line just to get pointed out where to go it may take some extra time. What I would personally do is ask the agents that typically around the entrances to the entry hall where you need to go and point out your K1. If you get lucky they will direct you right to where you need to be directly.

Now back to connections, once you initially clear immigration and customs your done. You don't have to deal with them again.

DON'T give yourself a 4 hour connection. 2-3 should be sufficient, even if it isn't, your airline will simply book you on the next flight if you miss the connection. They deal with it all the time at international airports.

The main problem is when there is a late takeoff and a delayed landing which crunches the time between flights. Last time I came into o'hare from overseas it was 1 hour and 15 minutes in a long line to clear customs with no POE to deal with just routine entry.

Like someone else said make sure there are lots of connecting flights to the final destination after the one you might miss or could get stuck overnight.

[james&olya 1,121]

I don't know about Boston but anything less than 3 hours in Chicago is going to be tight. Not only will you have the immigration processing time but you will have to collect your checked bags and drag them over to the domestic connecting flight carousel then cart your self to wherever your connecting flight is. O'Hare is a big airport so that can take a while.

In Chicago there is a baggage recheck area immediately as you leave the customs area in terminal 5 (International arrivals). I don't know if they handle baggage for all airlines though. I do know that it is no problem for flights booked on United/Lufthansa, etc.

[TwoCats 55]

I can't speak for Boston, but as for landing in Chicago O'hare (which I assume you would for Illinois), the last time I went through customs (and that was in the citizens line which was shorter) it took nearly 45 minutes just to get to the immigration desk. It really varies depending on how many flights are coming in.

[amtank 1]

To be honest I don't have to go through the line anymore, I started participating in the Global Entry program, where you use those Kiosk machines.

[kutakendra 3]

Allow 2hrs in Chicago. I've never flown on the Non-US citizen end, but delays and walks can be long. I have come in from Manchester thrice. Any regular connection under 60 minutes there is too close. With customs, you'll need more time. You will need to take and re-check your bags. You could be hassled a bit, so allow the extra time. Wear good shoes off the plane. You'll walk about 1/2 mile through corridors. Don't carry too much, either. Pee before you get off the plane, or after immigration to get up faster in line. It's busy about 11-2PM. There are bathrooms both sides. You will fly into International terminal, but will have to transfer terminals, which will take time. The airport is well-marked. Of course, I grew up with it, so I am biased. I don't like customs much there. Welcome!

[scotchland5206 5]

I'm moving to the states in 2 weeks and Chicago will be my POE as well. My final destination is Michigan so I've always got my connecting flight there. The queue can be long....I got a flight that gives me a 4 hr layover just in case.

On one occasion I was through immigration in 45 mins, the next time it was nearly 2 hrs, same time of day.

Personally I wouldn't want to risk it, it's not worth the stress...

We might be taken to the secondary area, it all depends on the officer you get.

So exciting though, right?! I can't wait