POE-Question

[Fischkoepfin 1]

Alright, I still haven't heard from the consulate and so it's still not quite clear whether I actually do have a visa to return to my husband, but I'm already checking out flights to the US to keep my excitement under control.

I'm flying to Indianapolis and I'll have to switch planes at one of the following airports where I will go through Immigration and Customs:

Chicago

Detroit

Philadelphia

Washington/Dulles International

New York/JFK

Newark

Which of these POEs can you recommend? Are there any that I should avoid? Any other hints?

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Chicago (ORD), as it is the closest.

Could your husband make the drive from Indianapolis to O'Hare to pick you up (admittedly, somewhat of a long drive and nasty Chicago traffic to boot, but...)?

[rejane 1]

I went through chicago twice and it was perfect for me didn t had any problem at POE

[Fischkoepfin 1]

Chicago (ORD), as it is the closest.

Could your husband make the drive from Indianapolis to O'Hare to pick you up (admittedly, somewhat of a long drive and nasty Chicago traffic to boot, but...)?

He could if I insist. I can also take a shuttle bus to Northern Indiana, I guess. What would be the advantage of having my husband pick me up at POE as opposed to me switching planes?

[Cassie 8]

I've gone through JFK twice -- once with AP papers, once with my "green card". Both times, I passed through quite smoothly.

The only advantage in being picked up and not having to switching planes is that you don't have to worry if you're held up going through customs (say, if your flight comes in after three flights of families coming home from DisneyWorld )

[mandolinv 0]

Detroit was easy and pleasant for my husband in December. Also, it wasn't very busy.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

How about Cincinnati (I know it wasn't on Fisch's list, but...)?

[Fischkoepfin 1]

I thought about Cincinnati, too. Didn't include it because there aren't many connecting flights to Indy. But since I cleared up the picking-up issue, it would be an option. Any thoughts?

Edited April 7, 2006 by Fischkoepfin

[ChristinaM 0]

Newark as a visitor was not painful in the least, and Houston on a C1/D was also pretty easy (I found them to be especially helpful at Houston), although HOU might be a long way round. I also went through Charlotte on the VWP, which was a pleasant experience.

Happy picking!

[Ephesia 0]

We live in Indy and I flew through several different airports in my previous visits before I got the K1 visa. I've been through Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis. Of the 3, I like Chicago the most even though nobody was mean to me at the other two. It just felt more pleasant.

[iceyspots 0]

I hear Detroit, Chicago, and JFK are pretty easy to get through...

[meauxna 15]

The only advantage in being picked up and not having to switching planes is that you don't have to worry if you're held up going through customs (say, if your flight comes in after three flights of families coming home from DisneyWorld )

We have to clear Customs after a visit to Disney? I know "It's a Small World" afterall, but I thought that was still in the US.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

The only advantage in being picked up and not having to switching planes is that you don't have to worry if you're held up going through customs (say, if your flight comes in after three flights of families coming home from DisneyWorld )

We have to clear Customs after a visit to Disney? I know "It's a Small World" afterall, but I thought that was still in the US.

I guess Cassie may have meant "EuroDisney".

Other option: she may have been thinking of Canadian customs in YYZ--where the case of "three flights of families returning from Disney World" would aggravate problems (the whole airport there is already a big problem :lol: )

[CarolineM 0]

Hubby went through LAX with no hassle, quickly, and painlessly

[zyggy 9]

Actually Detroit would be a really good choice for you for one main reason... Most of the international flights into Detroit come from Asia and they arrive at totally different times than the Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt, so your plane will pretty much have the CBP all to themselves. The other airports that you mention all have lots of European arrivals. Detroit, not so much. THey have the direct from Frankfurt and two or three direct from Amsterdam.