Customs at JFK

[NigerianLove 0]

If your SO came through JFK, how long did it take for them to clear customs. I'm trying to book a connecting flight for my fiance from JFK and need to know how much time he'll need in between before he catches his connecting flight.

Thanks

[knl 0]

If your SO came through JFK, how long did it take for them to clear customs. I'm trying to book a connecting flight for my fiance from JFK and need to know how much time he'll need in between before he catches his connecting flight.

Thanks

I was wondering the same thing today. Glad to know someone was reading my mind. I was thinking to give about an hour extra just in case the airlines he is flying on is late arriving. Which that could happen. Also to go through customs and to find bagage could take a couple hours or more. I have not been to JFK but I am thinking of when I come back from Ghana it takes me 2 hours after checking through customs and to find my bagage. The immigrants lines are always much longer then the USC. Then to find the next airlines counter he will be flying with, to get the tickets. I come up with 5 hours to be on the safe side. Does this seem like too long? Probably is, but I know people that have done this and miss their flight. I have not asked them how much time they gave themselves, but I might just do that.

[We_Destiny 1]

I always give myself atleast two hours to check in for my next flight. However, when my SO travels I have given him 6 hours, and that also depends on if he has to tranfer to another airport. I have heard many stories of immigratns having to go to the back room and that could take an hour or two by itself. So, giving them 5 or 6 hours to make the tranfer to the next airline should be suffficient. But, to be safe you should call the airline and find out the penalties for the airline, and make sure they have enough cash or viable credit card on them to cover any delays.

[Kelechi 0]

My fiance is flying from Lagos to JFK and he will arrive at 8am and I scheduled a connecting flight at 2:30pm. I am hoping this is enough time since we will be transfering to LaGuardia airport for the connection.

[I'm Mrs. Akindel 0]

TRUST AND BELIEVE YOU NEED ABOUT 2 HOURS TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE. THE LINES FOR IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS IS SOMETHING SERIOUS. I WOULD NOT WANT TO MAKE IT ANY CLOSER THAN 2 HOURS THAT GIVES TIME TO GET TO THE NEXT TERMINAL CLAIM LUGGAGE AND SIT DOWN FOR A MINUTE TO RELAX. I WAS ON PINS AND NEEDLES TRYING TO MAKE IT TO MY NEXT FLIGHT BECAUSE I SCHEDULED THEM TO CLOSE

[JJWashington 0]

Please let me know what you find out about this. I was thinking of sending my fiance through Amsterdam or London and then straight to my city. I checked Paris and you have to have a travel visa.

[kofuku 0]

JFK was pretty quick for us...all but 20 mins. to process data and pick up your bags. Your fiance may be able to go thru the US citizens line like my husband did and that meant no waiting. I would allow a few hours between flights just in case. It seems you have it covered...happy reunion!!

Edited July 25, 2007 by kofuku

[S&S 1]

My husband came through JFK from Nigeria and he ended up missing his connecting flight and was stuck in New York for 10hours. Immigration held him for about 3 hours. 5-6hours should be sufficient enough.

[randolady 1]

My husband came through JFK from Nigeria and he ended up missing his connecting flight and was stuck in New York for 10hours. Immigration held him for about 3 hours. 5-6hours should be sufficient enough.

Did he find out what "alerted" immigration to cause them to hold him for so long? What did they do while they were holding him?

[randolady 1]

I'm giving Ombeni 4 hours in between flights. I'm hoping that will be enough and that it won't be too stressful for him.

[S&S 1]

My husband came through JFK from Nigeria and he ended up missing his connecting flight and was stuck in New York for 10hours. Immigration held him for about 3 hours. 5-6hours should be sufficient enough.

Did he find out what "alerted" immigration to cause them to hold him for so long? What did they do while they were holding him?

It wasn't just him, he said that all the nigerians with the visa packets were processed last. Most of the time, they were just sitting and waiting

[JJWashington 0]

My husband came through JFK from Nigeria and he ended up missing his connecting flight and was stuck in New York for 10hours. Immigration held him for about 3 hours. 5-6hours should be sufficient enough.

Did he find out what "alerted" immigration to cause them to hold him for so long? What did they do while they were holding him?

It wasn't just him, he said that all the nigerians with the visa packets were processed last. Most of the time, they were just sitting and waiting

didn't they just go thru the line, or did they get pulled to the side?

[dana0402 0]

I've travelled between Cameroon and the U.S. several times. I personally have been able to get through JFK quickly, but Ben tool almost 3 hours to get out. Sometimes it just depends on the other flights coming in at the same time. Give yourself at least 5-6 hours.