FLIGHT TO USA, help!

[aralnaej24 1]

I got my passport and visa on Sept. 10th, 7 working days after my interview.. My flight is on the 20th. No change of airlines just that, I'll have two layovers before I arrive in New York, where my fiance will pick me up. My first stop is Japan then will transfer to another flight and fly to LA then will have another flight again that goes to NY. My question is, I know when I get to Japan, I don't need to go to the conveyor and retrieve my bags since my destination is USA. My question is when I get to California (my second lay over), which is obviously a US State already, do I have to retrieve my bags and check them in again for my New York travel? or from Manila, my bags would go straight to New York? I'm really lost. I haven't done flights with lay over, it's usually a direct flight.. so please help.. thanks!

[h13rma 35]

You will have to collect your bags and clear customs and immigration in LA, this will be your POE into the USA. There is probably a baggage recheck area either just past customs desk or just outside in the arrivals terminal. Sorry I've never flown internationally into LA. Someone will know though.

[mrsfrisbey 6]

when you get to immigration, you have to that is most probably in LAX. and check in your bags again for your flight to NYC.

Edited September 13, 2013 by mrsfrisbey

[belinda63 3,038]

Last time I flew, you have to get your bags at your POE, for you LAX, go through customs, and turn them in again. Don't really understand the point of it since it involved me picking up my bags, moving them about 200 feet, and handing them to a baggage person.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K-1 Process to Working and Traveling During US Immigration Forum~

(Organizer hat off)

Los Angeles will likely be your United States Port of Entry (POE). At that time, you will likely have to collect your suitcases and belongings, present your passport, documents, including your sealed packet (that you received from the US Embassy in Manila), to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel (when instructed to do so), and have your K-1 visa processed. Your suitcases/belongings may be inspected. Your suitcases/belongings can then be placed in the designated area for transfer to your next plane and final destination. It is hard to say how long the whole process will take, that depends on several factors, including the time of day, and number of international arrivals.

Good luck and welcome to the US!

Edited September 13, 2013 by A&B

[JRF 117]

Wear comfortable shoes...depending upon the terminal from which your flight to NYC departs you may have to walk a bit. You will clear customs and immigration in the Tom Bradley terminal which is at one end of the airport. It's a large airport - figure two hours minimum to clear C & I and get to your next gate after checking in to the flight. Maybe faster but plan on that and you should be safe.

Welcome to the US!

[krinamej 1]

I got my passport and visa on Sept. 10th, 7 working days after my interview.. My flight is on the 20th. No change of airlines just that, I'll have two layovers before I arrive in New York, where my fiance will pick me up. My first stop is Japan then will transfer to another flight and fly to LA then will have another flight again that goes to NY. My question is, I know when I get to Japan, I don't need to go to the conveyor and retrieve my bags since my destination is USA. My question is when I get to California (my second lay over), which is obviously a US State already, do I have to retrieve my bags and check them in again for my New York travel? or from Manila, my bags would go straight to New York? I'm really lost. I haven't done flights with lay over, it's usually a direct flight.. so please help.. thanks!

What airlines? If you chose Delta, it would've been easier because you might just have one stop, which is Tokyo-Narita, then New York. I've never flown into LA from an international flight, so I don't know either, but I did in San Fran.. it was a pleasant POE because they were nice. And yup, you need to smile, despite of how tired you are from the flight.

You would need to collect your bags from LA since it is your POE, they will check your bags -- again. So don't bring chicharon, eggs, alamang or anything with agricultural stuff, because TSA/CUSTOMS WILL THROW IT AWAY. Then, once that's done, they will tell you where to head out to drop off your bags again, then wait or board your flight.

GOODLUCKKKK!

[jenny8 8]

Even as a USC, when I came back home I had to collect my bags in NYC and then recheck them for my connecting flight to Pittsburgh. Good luck and Welcome!!!

[krinamej 1]

Even as a USC, when I came back home I had to collect my bags in NYC and then recheck them for my connecting flight to Pittsburgh. Good luck and Welcome!!!

Yup! That's true.

[aralnaej24 1]

thanks guys! I appreciate all the help. I have to familiarize myself with LAX since it's a big airport. Another question for those who have experienced this already. When I get to LA, immigration might ask for my visa packet. Will the packet be returned to me? I was thinking what if the immigration in JFK airport ask for the packet again..

[Rich and Wen 101]

Yes, in LAX you will collect your checked in bags, go through customs and immigration. Just outside customs, you re-check your bags, and go through security again, on your way to wedded bliss.

[stevie b 141]

thanks guys! I appreciate all the help. I have to familiarize myself with LAX since it's a big airport. Another question for those who have experienced this already. When I get to LA, immigration might ask for my visa packet. Will the packet be returned to me? I was thinking what if the immigration in JFK airport ask for the packet again..

once your envelope is collected, your passport is stamped and you are on your way.. envelope no longer necessary

at LAX you will basically fully leave the terminal through the two checkpoints and then have to fully recheck into your next airline

I would plan on AT LEAST 2 hours for processing then another bit to get to your next terminal

During the daytime hours (I think until 2ish).. every terminal in LAX does immigration processing.. after that time .. all internationals come through the bradly terminal

[drenie_elyonie 12]

Yup, you'll be collecting your bags at LAX before you head on to your next flight for NYC. You'll go through immigration first before you'll be directed to baggage claim. Make sure you have enough time during your layover, 2 hours at least...depending on which terminal you come in, the number of people arriving the same time as you and a host of other uncontrollable factors, it's hard to say exactly how fast/slow the process will take. The important thing is to always listen and stay alert for the directions they'll give you Have your documents ready (take your passport off its cover before you hand it to immigration, i always forget this and it seems to upset the immigration officers a little since they have to take it out themselves...hehe) and just be confident and ready to answer their questions Oh, and just wear comfortable shoes that'll be easy to take on and off during security check, and your toiletries should be in a clear 1-quart sized bag (see the handy infographic below).

When I flew Delta, I also had Narita and Los Angeles for my layovers...when I got on the plane going to Atlanta I couldn't help comparing the first 2 legs of the journey with the last...what a world of difference...the international flights are waaaay more comfortable and I even enjoyed them! (i liked the food and in-flight entertainment but it can also be long and boring) but the domestic one....felt stuffy, stressed, and you can tell that the stewardesses were a bit less happy to cater to the passenger's needs

Congratulations!

[Lainie B 465]

thanks guys! I appreciate all the help. I have to familiarize myself with LAX since it's a big airport. Another question for those who have experienced this already. When I get to LA, immigration might ask for my visa packet. Will the packet be returned to me? I was thinking what if the immigration in JFK airport ask for the packet again..

No you only go through immigration once. You will hand in your visa packet in LA and you will not get it back. LA to JFK is a domestic flight - you will not go through immigration in JFK.

[Daveykins 17]

http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/us/e/asw_common/guides/airports/int/lax/lax_e_hd.html

That should help you, after you go through customs, stay to the right and go into the connection passengers' area to drop off your bags for your next flight.