I forget: immigration and luggage?

[BadAmmoWitch 210]

Hello everyone. I don't remember how this works. Any info is much appreciated.

 

My fiancee just got her K1 visa, CFO completed, and we are flying together on June 5. Manila to Tokyo to LA to Sacramento. So the first point of entry will be at LAX, with plenty of time to make our connecting flight to Sacramento.

 

Last time I visited the Philippines in 2019, I'm pretty sure my checked luggage went all the way through to Sacramento when I returned. I'm reading some general information that a non-citizen has to get their luggage before going through Customs/Immigration. So how does this work for us?

 

We land together at LAX, and my fiancee's checked luggage will be on the carousel at baggage claim? She picks up her luggage, goes through Customs/Immigration, then re-checks her luggage with the airline? What about my luggage, will that still go all the way to Sacramento? Does the initial check-in airline somehow designate my fiancee's luggage differently than mine, based on her US immigrant status?

[Mike E 11,732]

You can expect to collect your bags at LAX and then recheck them after you exit the customs hall. 
 

You should stay with your fiancée to the extent CBP lets you. 

Edited May 31, 2022 by Mike E

[Hank_ 9,174]

5 hours ago, BadAmmoWitch said:

Hello everyone. I don't remember how this works. Any info is much appreciated.

 

My fiancee just got her K1 visa, CFO completed, and we are flying together on June 5. Manila to Tokyo to LA to Sacramento. So the first point of entry will be at LAX, with plenty of time to make our connecting flight to Sacramento.

 

Last time I visited the Philippines in 2019, I'm pretty sure my checked luggage went all the way through to Sacramento when I returned. I'm reading some general information that a non-citizen has to get their luggage before going through Customs/Immigration. So how does this work for us?

 

We land together at LAX, and my fiancee's checked luggage will be on the carousel at baggage claim? She picks up her luggage, goes through Customs/Immigration, then re-checks her luggage with the airline? What about my luggage, will that still go all the way to Sacramento? Does the initial check-in airline somehow designate my fiancee's luggage differently than mine, based on her US immigrant status?

 

You and your fiancee will clear immigration/customs.  At immigrations stay in the same line with your fiancee (not sure of what line, ask the agent as you enter immigration).     You will collect your luggage before you clear customs (you did it last time too    ), you will have to re-check your luggage for the flight to Sacramento.

[BadAmmoWitch 210]

10 hours ago, Hank_ said:

 

You and your fiancee will clear immigration/customs.  At immigrations stay in the same line with your fiancee (not sure of what line, ask the agent as you enter immigration).     You will collect your luggage before you clear customs (you did it last time too    ), you will have to re-check your luggage for the flight to Sacramento.

Thank you both. Big thanks to you Hank, whose information helped me immensely through this process.

[BadAmmoWitch 210]

On 5/31/2022 at 5:59 PM, Hank_ said:

 

You and your fiancee will clear immigration/customs.  At immigrations stay in the same line with your fiancee (not sure of what line, ask the agent as you enter immigration).     You will collect your luggage before you clear customs (you did it last time too    ), you will have to re-check your luggage for the flight to Sacramento.

You were right of course. We made it home s couple hours ago. Getting settled in.

Edited June 6, 2022 by BadAmmoWitch

[Hank_ 9,174]

Glad all went well .. .(finally)

 

Now for a few days of sleep ...