POE Atlanta - 2hours transit enough?

[MmmBlondie 8]

I have my interview booked for the 11th feb and im currently debating if I should hand in my notice at work early (I have to give 4 weeks notice), as I have that fear that something goes wrong, im denied and im left with no job

The earlier I can leave my current job would be great though as Im desperate to be in the states for my fiances home coming from Afghan (beginning of March), so ive been looking up flights!

2 Questions -

• Should I book a return flight as its near enough £500 cheaper?
  
• Is 2hours transit long enough to pass immigration in Atlanta?
  

Im worried that if they see I have a return ticket, they will wonder why I am coming over on the K1 I really don't want to be denied entry of course but a one way ticket to Pensacola, FL (with one stop over in either ATL, MIA or DFW) is super expensive!

As Pensacola isn't a hub, I have to enter one of the bigger airports then transfer onto those tiny little planes (I hate them, they are old, loud, cold and I feel like they will drop out of the sky at any moment but he's worth it ), to carry onto Pensacola. Ive read the reviews and ATL looks like quite a good POE. The flights are reasonable as well...permitting I buy the return! There is a 2hour stopover for transit or a 5hour stopover. Id rather not be in an airport too long waiting for a connecting flight but is 2hours too short to pass immigration. I don't want to risk anything!

Any ideas? Sorry for the long post!

[TimeTravel 78]

1 - You may book return ticket if cheaper than one way, but if you dont use that ticket for return, then make sure to cancel it when you are in US, otherwise it could cause the trouble .

2 - You are first immigrant, and it is little risky when you have 2 hrs transit time. IF everything went smooth without long wait inline, then it all should be done within 30 min, or may take little longer.

The best I can suggest, take a flight with longer transit time, so you can have peace of mind in case of flight delay/immigration takes longer time/etc.

[lost_at_sea 995]

1 - You may book return ticket if cheaper than one way, but if you dont use that ticket for return, then make sure to cancel it when you are in US, otherwise it could cause the trouble .

2 - You are first immigrant, and it is little risky when you have 2 hrs transit time. IF everything went smooth without long wait inline, then it all should be done within 30 min, or may take little longer.

The best I can suggest, take a flight with longer transit time, so you can have peace of mind in case of flight delay/immigration takes longer time/etc.

I think I'd do the same (longer layover). Apart from the fact it might take them a little longer than usual to process you coming into the States, it'll remove the stress if the flight is late or delayed or something which happens all the time no matter why you're travelling. A 5 hour layover is better than a missed connection.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I have my interview booked for the 11th feb and im currently debating if I should hand in my notice at work early (I have to give 4 weeks notice), as I have that fear that something goes wrong, im denied and im left with no job

Also, on this, I don't know where you work... but maybe you should just talk to your boss and work something out? Let's just pretend that you get denied / delayed (so not gonna happen, but just pretend for a nano-second), your boss probably would really rather you didn't leave at all and have to employ someone new. Every time I've ever quit a job, my boss would gladly have had me change my mind It might just pay to have a conversation, that's all, let them know the deal.

[C-ma'am 684]

As a general rule for international flights with connections, to be on the safe side, always plan on layovers with a minimum of 3 hours apart. Less than that, would be cutting it too close; and just like Murphy's laws... the unexpected WILL happen.

EDIT: My POE was Atlanta and, to me, it was wonderful. Extremely quick and with zero harassment... but even with this in mind, plan on a 3+ hours layover. Atlanta is one of the busiest airports in the US with International flights coming non stop since the wee hours of the morning.

**Moved post to K1 Progress Reports as the question is not related to a K1 process or procedure.

Edited January 24, 2013 by Celeste & C

[MmmBlondie 8]

Ok

Sounds good! Thank you. I will speak to my manager and I think I will book the 5hour layover

EDIT: My POE was Atlanta and, to me, it was wonderful. Extremely quick and with zero harassment... but even with this in mind, plan on a 3+ hours layover. Atlanta is one of the busiest airports in the US with International flights coming non stop since the wee hours of the morning.

Yup, I know its a busy one but I'm not keen on flying into Miami lol always get confused there and ATL sounds good for POE Knowing my luck i'll have a super quick POE and be stuck in the airport for 4.5 hours twiddling my thumbs

Edited January 24, 2013 by MmmBlondie

[C-ma'am 684]

I'm not keen on flying into Miami

I hear you! I dislike MIA with passion. ATL has always been a bliss for me.

[Pitaya 2,577]

As a general rule for international flights with connections, to be on the safe side, always plan on layovers with a minimum of 3 hours apart. Less than that, would be cutting it too close; and just like Murphy's laws... the unexpected WILL happen.

EDIT: My POE was Atlanta and, to me, it was wonderful. Extremely quick and with zero harassment... but even with this in mind, plan on a 3+ hours layover. Atlanta is one of the busiest airports in the US with International flights coming non stop since the wee hours of the morning.

**Moved post to K1 Progress Reports as the question is not related to a K1 process or procedure.

Prudent advice.

My wife's initial POE in Seattle took over two hours, due to multiple international arrivals. There was a two hour "poke-and-prod" session by CBP Seattle upon her recent return visiting her homeland two weeks ago. She was singled out for scrutiny.

Leave yourself plenty of time for the POE.

Good luck!

[Patsgal54 18]

I did my POE through ATL and it took around an hour to do the immigration stuff. Nothing was wrong, they just didn't seem to be in a rush! Add that onto re-checking your bag, changing terminals etc, I would definitely take the longer layover. One less thing to worry about!