I am flying from Mumbai to LA via JFK, would emmigration check be done at JFK or LA.?

Question

I am suppossed to travel to LA from Mumbai (india) and the transist is in JFK (same airlines, same terminal). the transist time is 1 1/2 hour only. wanted to knonw if my emigration check would be at JFK or at LA and an would I have to recheck my luggage at JFK??

is the transist time enough?

Answer 1

Once your reach U.S. soil and deboard your plane, you will have to go through customs at the first port of entry which is JFK.

Yes, you will have to recheck your luggage at JFK because you are switching from an international flight to a domestic flight. Not only that, but you will have to go through the TSA security checkpoint again because you are now flying domestic.

The 1 1/2 hr should be more than enough time to pick up your bags, go through customs, go through security and reach your connecting flight to LA. If the plane is late, and you miss your connection the airline will accomodate you.

Answer 2

You will go through Immigration and Customs at JFK.

Exit the aircraft and follow the signs to Passport Control/Arrivals.  Once through Passport Control, go to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage.  Carry your luggage to the Customs checkpoint. Just past Customs is the place ("interline Baggage") where you drop off your luggage so it can be transferred to your next flight.  You just give the bags to the handlers - not necessary to "recheck" your bags.  Then follow the signs to the gate for your next flight.

You don't give your citizenship. If you are a US citizen then 90 minutes between flights may be enough time.  If you are NOT a US citizen it may not be enough time (Passport Control takes longer for non-citizens).

I recommend changing your L.A. flight to one at least 3 full hours after your international flight is scheduled to arrive at JFK.  

If you can't do that (or it isn't practical), then watch the time when you get to JFK.  If you get through Customs and have less than 45 minutes before your next flight, speak with an airline representative BEFORE giving your luggage to Interline Baggage.  They will re-tag your luggage if you are switched to a later flight.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you are VVIP you will be exempted, regarding your luggage it will be checked, due to your time 1 1/2 hour ou should be worried for your next flight rather then checking. by the way why you are so afraid are you carrying some thing banned?