Expert: Roberto Gomes - 1/13/2008

Question
Hi Roberto,
I hope you can help me with this... I am planning to visit friends in Charlotte, NC in February, and am currently looking for flights from the UK. There are no direct flights, so I shall have to get a connecting flight from either Newark, Chicago or Philadelphia. However, I can't get a straight answer to a simple question... "How long will I need to allow for customs, security and immigration procedures? Or will all these be carried out at Charlotte, rather than EWR/ORD/PHL?"
I really hope you can help.
Many thanks,

Simon

Answer
Dear Simon,

All the Immigration and Customs procedures take place at the first US point of entry, i.e. EWR/ORD/PHL or any other airport that you choose when you make your reservations. The problem at this time of the year is the weather which can contribute to delays. So when making reservations allow at least 2 hours between flights just to play safe.

Also you can use Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD) as a connecting city, flying with United Airlines.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes