Internation flights with a layover?

[Annette]

I feel silly for asking this, but DH and I have never had an international flight with a layover. Our layover is in Houston and we're going to Costa Rica. On the way back, how does customs work? Do we claim our bags and then check them back in in Houston? We have 1.5 hours for the layover. How fast is customs? Anyone know? Thanks.

[laura]

You can specifically ask for your bags to be checked all the way through, so you won't have to claim them. I would call the airline for sure and clarify this procedure is available, but that's what we did when we went to Italy. We did have to ask, though, they didn't assume we wanted that. WHY they thought we would want to pick up our bags and re-check them is beyond me!

ETA: Scratch that, I mis-read and didn't realize your layover was in the US. I would think the airline would be the best advisor on this. I agree with bookworm, in Aruba we were able to clear customs before we departed, so maybe that's an option? We flew direct, though, so this wasn't a concern for us.

[bookworm]

I haven't been to Costa Rica, but you may be able to clear customs at the airport there (your travel agent should be able to tell you). We did this in Aruba, and somewhere else...can't remember where.

Otherwise, yes, you'll need to claim your bags and re-check them in Houston. I haven't had a problem getting through customs and making my connections (lines can really vary, and I've never flown through Houston, so I don't know the lines or terminal spacing). Actually, I've probably never checked a bag...but they seem to be there when we get through. If you can get a seat near the front of the plane (and/or travel with carry on luggage only), that should help.

[tlew12778]

Unless the laws have changed, you MUST clear customs on your first point of entry into the US. Airlines are very good at this though and it's usually a superfast process. Basically you will get off the plan and there will a small luggage carousel kind of like at baggage claim only much smaller. You grab your bags, walk through customs, hand the guy the green form, then put your bags on a second carousel behind the guy. This is how it is in Washington DC at least.

I doubt that you will be able to check your luggage all the way through as your arrival terminal in Austin will be for domestic flights and will not have a customs unit there.

[elladee]

Basically you will get off the plan and there will a small luggage carousel kind of like at baggage claim only much smaller. You grab your bags, walk through customs, hand the guy the green form, then put your bags on a second carousel behind the guy.

This is how I've done it, too, both in Philidelphia and New York.

[Vishenka69]

We just got back from Costa Rica a few weeks ago. We had a layover in Miami and HAD to recheck our bags. You have to clear immigration and customs at first entry point. Since the flight home will be a domestic one, there'll be no way for you to go through customs and immigration at that point. You might also want to have a longer layover. Ours was supposed to be 1.5 hours but because it took forever to get our bags and stamp our passports we had to take the next flight out of Miami. We got lucky that there are tons of flights from Miami to NY, some people had to spend the night because the next flight was in the morning.

[shaqangel]

You have to clear customs at the FIRST port of entry into the US so for you that would be Houston.

you will be given forms on the plane prior to landing and when u get of u hand those to the customs officials - there will be different lines: one for US citizens, one for green card holders, etc etc. once u clear through that, you will got to an area much like baggage claim though smaller. you will pick up your bags and go through customs and usually if u have nothing to declare, its a fast process. but this also depends if there are quite a few international flights coming in at the same time. once you're cleared here, you re-check your bags and you're on your way. btw this is the process in atlanta (and its quite a process!!!)

[ejs]

One more person agreeing with everyone else. Based on my travel experience, I wouldn't allow myself only 1.5 hours for a layover that includes going through customs.

Your flight into Houston could be delayed. It could take a bit to get your luggage off. There could be a lot of people going through customs. You might need to change terminals at the airport. I did see a page that said Houston (IAH) has had an average of about 30 minutes to get through customs in mid-October.

Here's a link that might give you some info about Customs:
http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/

[allison]

Basically you will get off the plan and there will a small luggage carousel kind of like at baggage claim only much smaller. You grab your bags, walk through customs, hand the guy the green form, then put your bags on a second carousel behind the guy.

I live in Houston and this is how it is done here.

We have 1.5 hours for the layover. How fast is customs?

All international flights go into the same area, the international wing of IAH. Everyone uses the same customs area which has been improved and really doesn't take long to get through. We've never been in customs more than 20 minutes. By the time you get to the baggage carousel, your luggage will more than likely be there. After that, there is only one more check point and you're done. After you go through customs you'll have to change terminals. I can tell you the best way to do that if you don't mind telling me what airline your connecting flight is.

[Annette]

Thanks everyone for the tips. We're flying Continental the entire trip.

[allison]

Continental should have a counter inside the customs area after the last booth where you can check in and check you baggage. I'm guessing your catching a flight to Austin, so you will have to change terminals. There's an underground train you can take to the terminal. When you come out the doors go left and you will come to an escaltor on your right. Take that down and follow the hallway and then down another set of stairs to the train.:)