Expert: Roberto Gomes - 7/20/2009

Question
Dear Roberto,

I hope for your help. Our family have a first trip to the US. Our itinerary is Almaty-Amsterdam-Detroit-Orlando.
The problem is that we have a very tight connection in Detroit. We arrive to Detroit at 15.40 by NW 0035 and depart for Orlando at 17.15 by NW 0042.
Could you please provide with detailed instruction on processing the immigration and custom in Detroit airport? How can we manage it shortly?
We are very worry about our air travel! It takes almost 24 hours at all + we have 2 kids with us (age 1,5 and 7) + possible problems with connections!
We will highly appreciate for any tips to make our trip less stressful.

Many thanks and kind regards,
Raushan

Answer
Dear Raushan,

I took a look at the Detroit airport map, and according to it you will arriving at the North Terminal where all international flights are located. There you'll need to clear Immigrations, collect your bags, proceed to Customs and at the exit look for the NW check-in desk to drop-off your bags again and then proceed to Edward H. Macnara Terminal where all domestic NW departures takes place.

Make sure that either in Almaty or in Amsterdam your bags are tagged to the final destination Orlando and you have all the boarding passes for your itinerary. This will ease the connecting process since you won't have to face new check-in lines.

Finally, note all the timings of your flights because since NW allowed to make the reservation the way it is, NW is also responsible to re-accommodate you in case you miss your connection.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes