2 hrs. and 50 minute layover at POE Houston

[AntonioyRocio 5]

Hope everyone is having a goodmorning/day! I just wanted someone to tell me their opinion. My babe is entering on a k1 and I will be traveling with him to the states as well but obviously Im US citizen hehe. We have a connecting flight to Boston and we have 2hr and 50 minute layover in Houston. Is that enough layover time? It will be on a Monday morning around 10:00 a.m. Ive tried to look at POE revies but some dont have much information . Well it give us time to buy something to eat before our next flight ? Please and thank you .

??

[Owen_London 65]

I can't vouch for how long visa-related processing may take on entry, as entry on the L1 visa I have is relatively easy since it's a non-immigrant visa. However, I can comment on the airport more generally, assuming you are going through the main airport, Houston Bush International, not through Houston Hobby.

Houston is a busy hub, and sometimes big lines can build through border control and customs. It depends on if it's a busy time of year, how many flights have arrived just before yours, and which terminal you arrive at. You will also probably need time to transfer between terminals, and this will take a while. That said, 2h50m should normally be enough time to make a connection, ignoring the visa processing.

[AntonioyRocio 5]

I can't vouch for how long visa-related processing may take on entry, as entry on the L1 visa I have is relatively easy since it's a non-immigrant visa. However, I can comment on the airport more generally, assuming you are going through the main airport, Houston Bush International, not through Houston Hobby.

Houston is a busy hub, and sometimes big lines can build through border control and customs. It depends on if it's a busy time of year, how many flights have arrived just before yours, and which terminal you arrive at. You will also probably need time to transfer between terminals, and this will take a while. That said, 2h50m should normally be enough time to make a connection, ignoring the visa processing.

Ive traveled through Houston before but I just go through without any problems because Im a US citizen but this time it will be different since Im traveling with him. When I arrive its always about an 5 -8 minute super speed walk hehe. I always arrive through united. Do you think the airport will be full at 10 a.m monday ?

[Sveta & Ron 23]

took sveta about 2 hours to clear customs she said they had problems taking her fingerprints , also remember you also need think about RUNNING to another terminal for connecting flight and this not always easy.... also remember you can call cbp in houston airport and ask as rule how buzy at 10 am as they receive reports from airlines well before arriving of gate times and number of people

Edited February 28, 2013 by Sveta & Ron

[AntonioyRocio 5]

took sveta about 2 hours to clear customs she said they had problems taking her fingerprints , also remember you also need think about RUNNING to another terminal for connecting flight and this not always easy

Oh I know that airpoirt is so complicated even though they have carts you still have to run around the airport, thanks for letting me know !

[Owen_London 65]

Ive traveled through Houston before but I just go through without any problems because Im a US citizen but this time it will be different since Im traveling with him. When I arrive its always about an 5 -8 minute super speed walk hehe. I always arrive through united. Do you think the airport will be full at 10 a.m monday ?

I don't really know, as flights from the UK usually arrive in the afternoon. You don't need to phone the CBP to get the info on wait times though, it's here: http://apps.cbp.gov/awt/

[AntonioyRocio 5]

took sveta about 2 hours to clear customs she said they had problems taking her fingerprints , also remember you also need think about RUNNING to another terminal for connecting flight and this not always easy.... also remember you can call cbp in houston airport and ask as rule how buzy at 10 am as they receive reports from airlines well before arriving of gate times and number of people

I just called and the officer said "every day is busy mam" and he said he cant give me any information on flight what a great help he was at least he answered my other question if there were officers who spoke spanish he said yes.

[Sveta & Ron 23]

i would have thought he give a general idea but i understand he can not comment on just one flight

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hope everyone is having a goodmorning/day! I just wanted someone to tell me their opinion. My babe is entering on a k1 and I will be traveling with him to the states as well but obviously Im US citizen hehe. We have a connecting flight to Boston and we have 2hr and 50 minute layover in Houston. Is that enough layover time? It will be on a Monday morning around 10:00 a.m. Ive tried to look at POE revies but some dont have much information . Well it give us time to buy something to eat before our next flight ? Please and thank you .

??

Houston -IAH - Bush is the only international arrival airport at this time. You will arrive at Terminal E.

You can get in either line, whichever is shortest and process together as a family unit. You will then go to a secondary room right at the end of the immigration stations.

The USC can do down the escalator visible from the secondary room area and gather the luggage while the immigrant processes. It's down only, but an elevator right by it will take you back up to your fiancé. Get a cart. Make a plan for him to wait for you by secondary or wait at the bottom of the escalator so you don't lose each other between floors.

Then pass through customs turning in customs form. It's just a quick pass by and often 2 or 3 lanes open if busy. You can use one form as a family. Write "household goods" and don't itemize or value the immigrants items. I got this straight from the CBP supervisor at IAH.

Down some hallways, then right before the sliding glass doors out, is where to re-check bags and remain airside. There is an elevated train that will go to other terminals. You are still airside so no ticket counter or security like when boarding first flight. Your departure will likely be Terminal C (close to E) or it could be from E.

You have enough time unless every possible delay all comes together for you. There are many places to eat in C in the middle and some down by the far end gates.